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Week 1 Blog (complete all blogs during the week they are assigned for credit)

9/2/2014

34 Comments

 
Consent in politics
"Social contract theory, nearly as old as philosophy itself, is the view that persons’ moral and/or political obligations are dependent upon a contract or agreement among them to form the society in which they live."
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy

Social Contract theory explains how political authority can arise in a governing system. According to social contract theory, consent is the basis of our government's control. It is because people have agreed to be ruled that governments are entitled to rule.

Based on this theory of consent, name three examples of government actions from U.S. history that U.S. residents have given consent to? When describing these three historical or contemporary moments please tell why and how the people have given consent. Tell who was or was not impacted by the government action taken that we have given consent.

NOTE: These moments in history should be directly related to the U.S. governments action or lack thereof.

Requirements for BLOG POSTS
  • You must write 250 words each post (due Thursday @ Midnight), Responses to two other students 50 words each (due Friday @ midnight)
  • Students must post during the week the blog is assigned or it will not be graded.
34 Comments
Deante Climon link
9/9/2014 04:36:18 pm

One example I believe that became a major political act was the "patriot act." september 9th 2001, New York city was devastated by a serious act of terror that changed are laws forever in this country. this became a major impact on our society today. Because of these major events, political elite groups have now been able to detect and major disasters because we now allow them to listen to are phone calls, read are mail and emails, so instead of protecting society, society is being interrogated. society is guilty until proven innocent. one other political authority are gun laws in certain states. February 26, 2012, a young man by the name of Travon Martin was gun down and murdered. I believe he was only 17 at the time. however, a neighborhood watch volunteer, in Sanford, Florida by the name of George Zimmerman who shot and killed Travon Martin had pleaded the "Stand your Ground" act which set him free. it is now 2014 and young african american men are being shot down by police authorities, and other vigilantes who carry a gun and use the "stand you ground" act as a defense mechanism for justice. Because of the riots and different shootings that are occurring, people are upset and starting to take actions in their own hands. I guarantee that with all these unauthorized force of shooting and terror against the people, the more the citizens in society resist, the more they start pushing their own agenda on citizens in society. slowly we will start to see a form of " Marshall-Law" military state. I wouldn't be surprised if we see tanks driving through our cities and freeways. when we see soldiers marching up and down our streets. when people have to be indoors at a certain time because its the law. where you will be forced to stay home certain days. where you will be told what you needed to believe in or you will suffer. where their is only one way, and one order.

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Alex Diaz
9/11/2014 03:34:23 am

I completely agree with you, 9/11 definitely gave the government power to go invade our privacy without any regards to our basic rights in America. As Americans we accept it because 9/11 was so devastating and the biggest act of terrorism on American soil. Many social contracts in American society today I believe aren't just, but just a way to promote unhealthy racial profiling and a way to avoid or escape prosecution.

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Deante Climon
9/11/2014 01:29:54 pm

Alex you said it brotha! we accept 9/11 was a devasting time and disaster. the crazy thing about it is it happen right at prime time. 9/11 happened when everyone was awake either going to work, or going to school. what they dont tell you is that the owner of the building had taken out a insurance claim two days before 9/11. once 9/11 occurred the owner cashed out.

Zakiyah Cannon
9/12/2014 03:36:52 pm

I completely agree with you . Knowing about these unjust motives, i wonder what are their long term plans for us. How long will the injustice continue. Will it end or will in continue and get worse? Its up to us to change and get involved. We need to take control on our lives and gain control. Its time we wake up!

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Alex Diaz
9/17/2014 08:30:19 am

Man that is crazy. I did not know that the owner of the twin towers put in an insurance claim two days before. That really makes me think about how easy it is for big corporations and foundations to make drastic changes and make everyone "agree" on the steps or precautions that come with the consequences.

Alex Diaz
9/11/2014 03:19:42 am

One of the biggest Social Contracts in our society would be the value of a dollar or money. We all have agreed to have a piece of paper with a distinct printing on it to decide how much our services, goods, and productions are worth. Everyday we are faced with what types of good we like and how much value the item should have whether tangible or not. Another example of the social contract would be the declaration of independence. In the Declaration of Independence the founding fathers state the basic fundamentals for America. All Americans agreed that we would be considered equals and treat each other was we would want to be treated. In The Declaration of Independence the founding fathers created a new form of society or government in which people all agree to abide by certain rules and regulations causing men to be more civilized and not live in the state of nature. Lastly, The Bill of Rights states specific rules that citizens must follow in order to be a productive and "good" citizens. We have all agreed that any citizen who does not comply or follow the basic natural rights of men should be punished.

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Sorasak Prasertsri
9/12/2014 11:14:28 am

Yeah your are right, money always involve to anything and everywhere you go. You have to have money to survive and living in society. They are already created, this is the rule of our society's and what we create to use this special paper to exchange or trade in economic system.

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Zakiyah Cannon
9/12/2014 03:42:36 pm

I agree with you. We live in a society filled with the haves and the have nots and those who have money are powerfull and looked at differently then the have not who are not bad people but one of the unfortunate ones in life. imagine every body was rich and happy... thats kind of hard to think about, in these days everybody cant be a winner.

Juan Flores-Rodriguez
9/12/2014 05:00:03 pm

Alex, thank you for your comment. You're right, money is probably one of the biggest, most universal social contracts there is. With out the trust in the monetary system, I believe society would be in chaos. The Declaration of Independence is also another fundamental contract that this country was build on. As I mentioned before, a social contract I believe is a societal mutual understanding based on current need, that gives government the green light to govern a certain way. I'm not a historian, but I feel that when this country was founded, the Declaration of Independence was the ultimate social contract physical agreement written out. Thank you for your point.

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Kim Shaw
9/11/2014 07:10:07 am

One thing that came to mind when I was thinking about government actions is the requirement for all male U.S. citizens to register for with Selective Services at the age of 18. This is near and dear to my heart because my one and only 14 year old son asked me about it. The government basically said that they don’t care how you feel and or believe you must sign up. I know everyone doesn’t sign up and I know there are a few exceptions as to who can and will be called to war. Why is the requirement that I register anyway? What if I am anti-war? What is my religion is against war, battling and killing people? What about those that want to go and fight in the war, but for whatever the reason they are disqualified? Who is to say who should and shouldn’t register? However we have done what has been handed down from the government and sent and encouraged our male to register with Selective Services. We often talk our young men into registering, telling them it’s the right thing to do and trying to convince them and ourselves they won’t be called to war. Another thing that comes to mind is the sentencing laws/rules for prisoners. The government has invented the three strikes law and has handed down hideous sentences for prisoners such as hundreds of years and/or more than one life sentence. What does the majority of use do? We complain for a little while and then we just sit back watch our young people get locked up. The government has made us to believe we are helpless and we must accept this cruel punishment. They have made us believe that the punishment fits the crime. Lastly the government has turned just about everything into electronic deposits. Unfortunately they have sold just about all of us. Most monies are paid on an ATM card of some sort or deposited into your account. Social security, most retirement, unemployment, disability, food stamps, cash aid, payroll checks, child support etc. all com via direct deposit or an ATM card. Who is to say I want it that way? Why do I have to give you my account information? Suppose I want a paper check? We have been convinced is convenient, easy, faster, safe etc. We accept it because we are lazy, want everything fast and easy. We don’t think about what this does, the lack of privacy, exercise etc. We just simply say well “they” said it’s okay so it must be okay. Who is “they?”

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Deante Climon
9/11/2014 01:24:29 pm

I believe you are absolutely correct about the money. money should be used as a tool for good and we should try to use sustainable recourses to cut the cost of production of burning unnecessary fuel which will eventually have a negative effect to our environment. we should stop spending large amounts of money on unnecessary wars. as for myself, I believe I am a good citizen and I do love my country. However I feel they would send me to war before their own children, because they see my life has less value and I do not have any education. "rich mans war poor mans fight."

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Dulce Fajardo
9/12/2014 12:00:23 pm

I agree with you. The government does not care if your beliefs interfere if it's to benefit it. I personally wouldn't want a loved one to be drafted into war just because they HAD TO sign up for it. In one way or another when it comes to monetary issues, we continuously let things keep happening because we can just "grab and go." As the years pass by things are becoming more of an easy access making us less capable of being able to think for ourselves.

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Thao Le
9/12/2014 02:33:52 pm

I believe that we need to send our citizens that had committed crimes to a correctional facility, not a prison. By putting them in a prison, our government had taken away their chances to restart their lives, since companies will be skeptical about hiring someone with a criminal record. We want people to change and be a better person for society, not to punish them and let them rot in a cell.

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Juan Flores-Rodriguez
9/12/2014 04:50:00 pm

Kim, I admire your comments. I think these are very well put together thoughts. I agree with your points you have brought up but I want to expand on you're third point because I don't agree with the views.

I understand where you're coming from, and as someone who has worked in the financial sect for over 8 years, I can tell you that I've heard just about every concern in this field. Who wants to give their personal information to a government entity that they don't trust? Who wants to give their personal information to anyone. I don't believe that the government is forcing this change down our throats, though. It's simply the way that business is done in 2014. The justification is efficiency and monetary savings, which I think are reasons that make sense. Some people want a paper check, other people prefer to get paid faster and more efficiently. In fact, I believe more people prefer efficiency, and (when it comes to government) who doesn't want to save a buck.

When we talk about "Social Contract," my opinion, we're talking about a societal mutual understanding based on current need, that gives government the green light to govern a certain way. What you're saying correlates to this concept, and I'm glad you brought it up.

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sharon clark
9/22/2014 09:02:51 am

I agree in a sense also what about waiting to turn 18 to serve on jury duty against your will per say?You are now eligible to be called to
serve on a jury in Massachusetts this is not the only state there are several others as well what a shame, i know.Serving on a jury is both a duty and privilege of citizenship in the United States we have no choice as u.s citizens but to follow the rules are be punished ....shaking my head..When summoned to jury duty, you are required by law to respond, even if you know you are unable to serve.
If you fail to respond to a summons, fail to appear in court
as scheduled, or leave before dismissal, you are considered
a delinquent juror .As a delinquent juror, you will be asked to reschedule
– continued failure to respond may result in an arrest
warrant, fines totaling $2000, and community service
requirements When called for jury duty, you are usually asked to set
aside 3 days.According to the Office of the Jury Commissioner, 85%
of those who appear complete their service in 1 day, and 95% complete it in 3 days.Massachusetts employers are required to pay employees and so are other states obligated to this rule their regular rate of pay for the first three days of jury now i feel like this portion is fair but the overall picture ..not!

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Thao Le
9/11/2014 11:45:44 am

Three examples of government actions from U.S history that the U.S residents have given consents to are:
1. Iraq War
- After 9/11, congress passed a resolution called the Iraq War Resolution, which permits the use of military force against Iraq. This decision affects both the Iraqi and the American people, since after the war Iraq didn't have any security, and American's economy went for the worst, due to the stock market crashed in 2007, and millions of Americans were out of a job. Gas prices also went up, and stayed on top, the median price for gas right now is $4.20, as opposed to $1.78 in 2001.
2. George W. Bush Junior
- The re-election of Bush Junior in 2004 was voted by the American people, which leads to an increased in the number of Americans troops in Iraq. Bush also had 34% approval rating when he left the White House at the end of his term. In the spring of his final year, Bush also had the highest disapproval rating in 70 years, at 69%.
3. Obama Care
- This bill called Obama Care was passed on 3/23/2010, which gives American a more affordable and quality healthcare. This bill doesn't replace private healthcare, medicare, or medicaid. This bill also affected all low income Americans that can't afford decent health coverage, hospitals, and medical staffs. It protects Americans from unreasonable insurance price hike, and gives them free preventive services with no out of pocket cost.

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Kim Shaw
9/12/2014 02:53:53 am

Obama Care is great for those that need it. It is definitely a step in the right direction. It will cut back some on all the unpaid hospital debt and the uninsurable are now insurable. What I don’t agree with is the fine for not enrolling. Why and how can the government say I have to have medical insurance?

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Sorasak Prasertsri
9/12/2014 10:51:11 am

In my opinion, it's about political game that there party already set it up and we already pick one guy to control the whole country to change something to make it better for all of us. Sometimes is right choice, sometime is worst choice. You have to be ready for the choice that you pick to run the government.

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Dulce Fajardo
9/11/2014 03:26:07 pm

There are so many issues that make the US messed up all over the place, leaving the minorities for last.

1. The Affordable Care Act of 2014 (ObamaCare)
Many people have long waited to have medical insurance, to get medical aid from the US government. They have been uninsured for a long time; mostly elders, women with children, and children have benefitted, and the rest left to be insured by their employers or have had to pay for their medical expenses out-of-pocket. ObamaCare was put in place because the people have fought for it, but now that it was put in place, it still leaves most of the same people uninsured, paying out-of-pocket AND now paying a “fine” if you do not manage to get insured as soon as possible.

2. No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB)
The NCLB Act had a huge impact on education, where states applied more reasonable and better educational standards. The problem is that the government gave the states the right to individually choose what learning standards they would implement. While one state could have certain standards, another state could implement “lower” standards. Shouldn’t all children have the same quality of education? The parents/guardians send their children to school to prepare for the future, but with this education system nothing is guaranteed. The government thinks they’ll truly know how the students are doing by focusing on standardized testing, but in reality they’re focusing too much on group accountability rather than on individual student attention. What happens when schools score below the level they should? They get a few chances, but for those schools that continuously score low (according to standardized testing) they face the horrible reality of their school being shut down. Most schools that score low have mostly minority students, while most schools that score at proficiency level or higher have a lower population of minority students. The NCLB Act is unrealistic and does not fit into our vision of quality education.

3. The Dream Act of 2012
Immigrant students aspiring for a better future give consent for the government to take over their lives. They have to accomplish this requirement in order to be illegible to apply for permanent residency: by getting an AA in community college, completing two years towards a Bachelor’s degree or by serving two years in the US military. The government benefits the most since the students’ residency is NOT guaranteed and these students would be likely to enlist in the military. They are furthering their education, but if it doesn’t work out they could end up with nothing; no residency, no more education and if all fails they could face deportation.

The government controls our lives and we give consent for it to do so. Without health care, education and legalization we have limited amount of success in this country.

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sharon clark
9/22/2014 09:10:33 am

in agreeance i think they should have left well enough alone because medical was doing folks just find and also the county insurance. you would think government and healthcare would break there back to help us stay well but as we can see we were totally incorrect. it all about the Benjamin ,and money make the world go round.yeah..true enough but what about the rest? Now Obama Care's goal is to give more Americans access to affordable, quality health insurance, and to reduce the growth in health care spending in the U.S.there has been many glitches in the system tho ware you still have to come out of pocket to pay the difference somehow?now whats wrong with this picture..?

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Judy Sierra
9/11/2014 03:39:28 pm

Deportation, the Iraq war and invasion of privacy are some examples of the United States citizens granting consent to their government, thus supporting the social contract theory. For example deportation, people tend to advocate for certain minorities rights to stay in the US, but nothing seems to change and people don't seem to see it as a big issue to fully change the laws. People of the US demand for immigrants to be deported back home and the government acts on the issue because citizens fear to lose their jobs. People passed laws in places like Arizona as a form of consent to eradicate people from crossing any boarders to this country. The entire US is affected by this because the boarders are heavily guarded and it has required a lot of fundings. After the 9/11 terrorist attack to the US, it created a heightened state of crisis. The US went to war with Iraq, ultimately the people of the US went into this fear and solicited them selfs in multiple ways by joining the military. In other words US citizens were signing up to go to war. This gave the government more reasons to keep sending troops to the Middle East. Many families we're affect by this, because those who had children or spouses, we're automatically sent to war. The last example would be the invasion of privacy, there are cameras everywhere now a days, and there's no privacy. The government detects everything, even what you post on the internet.

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Kim Shaw
9/12/2014 03:01:12 am

Invasion of privacy!! I completely agree with you. How can the government know EVERYTHING we do but pretends to know nothing? There are cameras, taping devices, people reading everything, seeing everything and claiming to know nothing, unless it benefits the government. There is no privacy anywhere, not even in our own homes.

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Thao Le
9/12/2014 02:24:59 pm

I agree with you on our invasion of privacy issues from our own government. After 9/11 the government had use terrorist as a stepping stone to spy on its citizens, they even created a no-fly list to ban people from flying, without unreasonable cause! Not so much the land of freedom anymore.

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Aaron Onia
9/14/2014 07:44:17 am

Yes, invasion of privacy is a growing concern for everyone now that the issue is being brought into the light. Social contract, technological advances along with unregulated government entities working for our ‘security’ seems like a recipe for trouble. Technology is making privacy nonexistent nowadays. Nudes are leaking, whole albums are being download onto the cloud and into everyone in America’s iPhone. These are funny examples but what’s next, there is no telling…

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Sarah Salazar
9/11/2014 04:21:06 pm

Residents of the United States have given consent to (1) the United States invading South American countries in order to strip them of their resources (2) at some point slavery (3) and a disparity in the public school system. I say this because as residents our ancestors and us have allowed the government to do as they please. Maybe it is because we are ignorant of some of the things the government is doing, or we don't think it really affects us, but by not taking action we are giving the rich the power to make decisions that affect us all. Just as slavery was legal during past times, but then people stood up for their rights and demanded rights, and for their opinions to be heard. Today, we should do the same, so that we will not be slaves to our ignorance. As the professor said in class on Saturday, we may not be slaves like they were before, but we are zombies. We do what the government and the rich want. We don't think about making changes because we are too busy buying things that will "make our lives happy."

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Dulce Fajardo
9/12/2014 12:07:39 pm

Yes, many people let the government do as it pleases. I agree that we let it go by not doing anything about it. But then again as the years pass by I have met many that think their opinion won't make a difference. I wonder what it would take for all to fight for what they believe... Then again, there are many issues out there where many of us are protesting for/against and it indeed does make a huge difference.

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Sorasak Prasertsri
9/11/2014 05:26:24 pm

In our society, there is a fundamental law that applied among people in the society and between people and government. This fundamental law is call “Social Contract”, by this law every individual will have to surrender their rights or liberty in order to give their benefit and peace with in their society. However under this law, there are some argument that the government might wrongfully using against peoples. For instance, at the sports event, did the police have the right to stop and search your personal belonging without warrant? It could be the rightful thing to do in the case of catching criminal in the acts, in order to serve the peace to the community. On the other hand, it could be using an authority power to invade people privates. From the past I believed that the government miss used this theory law to the Native American Indian without their consent. For example, limiting hunting land and relocated camp for them to stay and create the new culture life style for them.
From another event in the past, there is the movement of minority group who seeking for an equal right such as African American (African – American Civil Right Movement, 1986-1954). Many African American want to end racial discrimination to have an equal right as other people.
Based on the past till now made me believe that a social contract is always changing and have to be more flexible for both ends (people vs people, people vs government) in order to create a peace and harmony life in our society.

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Aaron Onia
9/14/2014 07:18:44 am

I like the questions you pose and the examples you use to explain social contract in your post. The example of being searched at a sporting event is a great way to illustrate social contract. As individuals, we are giving up a certain amount of privacy to get into the event, however it is ultimately ensuring the security of the entire stadium. We can only hope that the security is not using their authority with malicious intents. I think it’s great that you mention how Native Americans were wronged by the use of social contract because the greater good only benefited the colonist ideals and not those of the natives of that had an indefinite right to the land. Thank you.

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Zakiyah Cannon
9/12/2014 03:54:33 pm

I feel that the social contract of today is pretty harsh. Its made up by a very small amount of people out of the billions if people on this earth. If i were in control of creating the social contract, every one will have a equal chance at life. No one skin color can determined how important you are or how much more valuable your are then the next person. everyone is equal . What you believe in and your morals should determined if your a good person or not. Instead of so many laws to lock people up, i would get rid of prisons and have real detention centers. I would find out how they got there and make sure it doesn't happen again. Help them out with life if its not going so good . acctually care for people and not just take them away from their children. I would have more rewards for the good people who want better for them selves and others . Aslong as they are pursuing healthy and fulfilling lives. the prisons should befior real murderers, rapists, and some thiefs. I want to know more about the law makers and how they got their jobs. was it inherited? Was it because the amount of money they have ?0

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Juan Flores-Rodriguez
9/13/2014 04:51:55 pm

A social contract is a mutual understanding among people in a society and in turn people in that society accept this agreement as the norm. Three examples that come to mind that are social contracts in this society are the gender roles, federal holidays, and a free market.

Gender roles can be seen as a social contract because depending on your culture, these roles can change based on what is expected of you based on your gender. For example, in the United States, depending on your gender, you're expected to play with certain toys as a child. This means that by playing with one toy over the other as a child, you fulfill your gender role. This may be an example we see when we are children, but as you get older there are other gender role behaviors that are expected of you, and these too can also be seen as social contracts.

Additionally, federal holidays is another example of a social contract that we perform simply because it is expected of us. Granted, who doesn't like holidays? Many celebrate holidays, regardless of whether they believe it or not. For example Christmas is celebrated even by people who are not Christian. It's a federal holiday that is celebrated in the United States because there is a social contract in place that says that this day should be celebrated, and not because this day is part of every person who celebrates it's beliefs.

Finally, the concept of a free (democratic) market is a theory that can be tied to consumerism and an invisible hand that guides where resources are allocated. This can also be seen as a social contract because it's an understanding among the people living in this society that free market will render that society optimal results. Like it or not, we live in this type of society, and there is a social contract that says we all participate to this free market.

Although, all three of my examples are exclusive of one another, I believe that social contracts happen in just about every aspect of our lives. The way government rules affects what these contracts will be and furthermore, who and how are people affected by them.

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Aaron Onia
9/14/2014 07:00:39 am

The Social Contract theory seems to be an underlying factor when the US government responds to a looming national crisis. When the country as a whole is facing financial turbulence, citizens rely on the actions of our government to insure the stabilization of our greater well-being. Under the implied notion that we have agreed to be governed, we look to our political authority and government systems to identify and bring about resolution.
In response to a wave of evictions, repossessions, foreclosures and a collapse in residential property values, the government signed into law the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) in 2008. Housing is a fundamental aspect of living within a society, so when our country experiences a system-wide breakdown, citizens who choose to live here require mediation from higher powers to correct the problem. Considering the issue was caused by poor government regulation of mortgage lending, it would be fair for political parties to take action. This act initiated by the government would provide relief and benefit for homeowners, homebuyers, lenders, and the entire housing market and was one of the very first instances of a government bailout.
Averting another Great Depression was the intention of the government in 2009 when President Barack Obama signed into legislation the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, better known as The Stimulus. An economy in decline affects all within a society, and those struggling to make a living get hit the hardest. Rather than fleeing the country, which would be an unfeasible option for most, citizen must endure the recession, implicitly accepting the social contract, in hopes that the government will alleviate the dilemma. The Stimulus was the direct action by government to increase jobs, and stimulate the economy. This impacted everyone form the unemployed, the low wage earners to the high income tax payers.
Not only was the financial turmoil occurring on a nation-wide level, but it also was taking place around the globe as demonstrated in the Global Recession of 2008-2009. Internationally, the world’s governments and its citizens, have an implied contract to find remedy for economic decline around the world.

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sharon clark link
9/22/2014 08:49:26 am

i chose to writ about the marijuana reform . who benefits from the marijuana reform?(Drug Policy ) . my feelings having drug policies is the safest way to have concerning usages. The changes in federal and internal marijuana laws does need to benefit the proper citizens that have a right to use it illegally. to be honest my opinion is all adult citizens of legal ages and young adults with medical illness/ disorder with gain some great benefits with revised marijuana laws. Prescription medicine have been known to have to many side affects in the body.
i would like to share my concerns about government employees usage of drugs. these employees are no different then non- employee citizens of the law. the only exception is they have been either sworn in or contracted to follow government regulations and rules as a employee hired by the government. even though they represent the government they also must have legal documentation to smoke or purchase cannabis marijuana or any other type of drug/legal medication.if the government rules are not to smoke marijuana or take illicit drugs there should be no favoritism.
motto : should be you break the law you do the time no matter who you are or who your employer is. just be because some states approved the regulations of cannabis usage does not mean they will accept abusing these laws. whether be medical reason or illicit usage. my feelings concerning alcohol they should have banned that a long time ago, but its all about the supply and demand chain.

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Sharon clark
9/22/2014 08:54:32 am

In addition to this blog there is always room for growth for example just to name a few; Marijuana arrests are the engine driving the U.S. war on drugs. Nearly half of all drug arrests each year are for marijuana-related offenses, the overwhelming majority of which are for personal possession. These arrests fall disproportionately on blacks and Latinos, even though white people use marijuana at similar rates. Many of those who are arrested are saddled with a criminal conviction that can make it difficult or impossible to vote, obtain educational loans, get a job, secure housing, or even adopt a child. Additionally, the huge number of marijuana arrests each year usurps scarce law enforcement, criminal justice, and treatment resources at enormous cost to U.S. taxpayers.

The Drug Policy Alliance works to reduce the number of marijuana related arrests and associated penalties through crafting and advocating for legislation removing or reducing criminal penalties, initiatives making marijuana arrests the lowest law enforcement priority, and community based policy changes.DPA also works to expose and reduce rampant, system-wide racial disparities in marijuana arrests. DPA has released reports documenting and detailing chilling disparities in New York City and across California and continues to raise awareness about the unique burden U.S. marijuana policy places on black and Latino communities.Marijuana prohibition has also caused incalculable violence and destruction by fostering an illegal marijuana market. Organized crime, drug cartels, and gangs are the greatest financial beneficiaries of marijuana prohibition. In Mexico, illegal marijuana sales have contributed to the loss of tens of thousands of lives.

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sharon clark link
9/24/2014 05:19:53 am

We all must know some contemporary examples given in this summary tells why and how people are given consent to by the government. Modern states repress the physical freedom that is our birthright, and do nothing to secure the civil freedom for the sake of which we enter into civil society per-say due to the social contract theory. The social contract theory also involves legitimate political authority, and also may come only from a social contract agreed upon by all citizens for their mutual preservation. The general and abstract laws of the state that was created early in that state's life by an impartial, non-citizen lawgiver. All laws must ensure liberty and equality: beyond that, they may vary depending on local circumstances. While the sovereign exercises legislative power by means of the laws, states also need a government to exercise executive power, carrying out day-to-day business. There are many different forms of government, but they can roughly be divided into democracy, aristocracy, and monarchy, depending on their size. Monarchy is the strongest form of government, and is best suited to large populations and hot climates. I feel we the people in America has become effected in some form or way, because it shows through our everyday lives with consistent change.

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