Ask America, Part 3

Continuing with the “Ask America” series:

1) Should the religious composition of the Supreme Court reflect the religious composition of the American people?

No. A persons religious beliefs, race, age, or gender should have no impact on determining the Constitutionality of the law. For some reason we are more concerned about appointing people of certain demographics to the highest court of the land rather than putting the persons credentials first.

2) Should courts and legislatures be able to override the majority of the people?

Yes. While this might be unpopular, some times the courts and Congress will make the correct decision. And if the public is still unhappy with the action, they have the power to vote out those that pass the laws as well as vote in those that select our judicial leadership.

3) Does unlimited campaign cash give corporations and unions too much control over elections?

There is a chance where unions or corporations might flood the media outlets with political ads, drowning out the voices of the individual candidates and organizations with smaller budgets. However, it is the responsibility of voters to make informed decisions on election day. If they simply sit back and allow the message of a single group dominate their decision process without questioning their motives, then they shoulder the responsibility for casting an uninformed vote.

4) Do parents need extra help keeping violent video games out of the hands of children?

The sole responsibility for raising a child belongs to the parent. Society can aid in keeping things such as illegal drugs, violent images, and sexual content (for example) out of the reach of minors, but none of that comes close to the power and influence parents have over their children. If parents remain actively involved in the lives of their kids, such social programs might become unimportant in the long run.

5) Should people be allowed to express their opinions on matters of public concern at military funerals if they follow local laws regulating such protests?

The key phrase in this question is “if they follow local laws regulating such protests.” If the local laws allow protests outside the gates of a cemetery, then groups such as the Westboro Baptist Church are free to protest there. Of course, this also means that groups such as the Patriot Riders are also allowed to “protest” in the same location (in effect shielding the families from the radical church).