Thursday's Editorial - October 20, 2005
1. In what way would President Bush like to use the U.S. military should there be a serious outbreak of the avian (bird) flu? What would prevent the President from using the military in such a manner? (para 1) How does he propose to solve that problem? (para. 5)
2. Walter Williams says in paragraph 5 "Whether Congress amends the law or not, Bush has no constitutional authority to deploy military troops across the land." How does he explain his statement?
3. Ask a parent (or any adult over the age of 35) to describe what their childhood was like without being required to wear bicycle helmets. Also ask if they can remember riding in the front seat of a car as a child. Record their response. Do you know anyone who has flown in the past few years and been thoroughly searched or had items (such as those mentioned at the end of para. 3) confiscated? Do you think these laws protect us and make us safer? Explain your answer.
4. During Hurricane Katrina the state (Governor Blanco) and local (Mayor Nagin) governments of Louisiana failed their citizens. This could explain why President Bush (a conservative who believes in the authority of the constitution and states rights) now wants the federal government to control helping Americans in times of catastrophy. Do you think he realizes that he would be violating the Constitution? Do you agree with President Bush's plan? Explain your answer.
5. Send an email to President Bush respectfully expressing your opinion on this issue.