Assignment # 12 Due 12-17-13

"It is now our generation’s task to carry on what those pioneers began. For our journey is not complete until our wives, our mothers, and daughters can earn a living equal to their efforts. Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law -- for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well."

President Obama, 2013 Inauguration Speech

In this passage President Obama is challenging the words of the Declaration of Independence that states, “All men are created equal.” What draws many individuals to the United States is the notion that as individuals we were all created equal and have individual freedom. However, as our history and present today has shown, that is not the case. “Our gay brothers and sisters,” as Obama stated are not considered equal to heterosexuals under the law. This does not make sense if we are all suppose to be created equal. In certain industries, women who are just as qualified and educated as men make less money because of their gender. This also does not make sense if we are all supposed to be created equal. In order for us to truly stand and live by the notion that “All men are created equal,” under the law we must treat everyone the same despite their sexual identification and/or gender. For, as President Obama so eloquently put it “If we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well."

Assignment # 11 Due 12-10-13

“We have come to a clear realization of the fact that true individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence. Necessitous men are not free men. People who are hungry and out of a job are the stuff of which dictatorships are made.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt

“The Economic Bill of Rights”

Message to the Congress of the United States on the State of the Union

In this passage Franklin D Roosevelt is discussing what true individual freedom really means. In order to truly be individual freely one must have some form of “economic security and independence.” Economic security is some time of financial income such as job. Men that are not economically secure are not free for as Franklin stated, “Necessitous men are not free men.”  Individuals that are impoverished, which can be defined by their unemployment status and need for food is the basis for what a society ran by a dictatorship is comprised of.

I chose this passage because the very basis of American civil liberty is individual freedom. As Franklin stated, individual freedom is marked by economic and financial security. In our society so many people are economically and financially unstable making it contradicting for one to say or believe that Americans have complete and total individual freedom.

   

Unemployment

“By 1933 millions of Americans were out of work. Bread lines were a common sight in most cities. Hundreds of thousands roamed the country in search of food, work and shelter. "Brother, can you spare a dime?" went the refrain of a popular song.”

Excerpt from the link The Great Depression

The Great Depression, which began in the United States in 1933, marked a time of immense economic despair for Americans. Millions of Americans were unemployed resulting in severe levels of poverty. Many people had no food, a job, or a place to live. Many were in search of those things. Many went unfed and were out of work for a long period of time.

I chose this passage because although the United States in not currently in a state of depression, many Americans are unemployed, homeless, and hungry. The number of homeless people living in New York City alone is astounding. The fact that so many years later many Americans are still facing the problems that Americans decades ago faced is astounding. 

The picture above is of people that were living in poverty during the Great Depression. As I stated before, due to unemployment many people were forced to live in poverty with no food or shelter. This picture relates to the class as it depicts The Great Depression, a time of harsh economic despair for millions of Americans. 

Lincoln (Part 2)

Assignment # 10 Due 12 - 3- 13

"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."

Abraham Lincoln

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

November 19, 1863

In this passage, Abraham Lincoln attempts to redefine the Declaration of Independence as noted in our lecture. In the Dred Scott case it was determined that African Americans were not entitled to the rights under the Declaration of Independence. Therefore the proposition that “all men are created equal” was not born in to our country. Liberty (freedom) was born in to our country. However, that freedom does not extend to everyone in our country for all men were not created equal. In Lincoln’s words we are “dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal” meaning that in future we hope to achieve this goal. We hope that equality comes to pass in our country. At the time America had not yet granted equality to all of its citizens and that is something that the country needed to work towards. 

            I chose this passage because it is very significant in understanding the Declaration of Independence and our country. When reading the clause that states “all men are created equal” it brings in to question how African Americans could be slaves if all men were supposedly created equal. Lincoln offers an important explanation to this. It is not that in our country all men are actually created equal. We as a country are working towards that equality for the future. I believe in this present day we are still working towards the equality of all man. I believe that we will always work towards it. Our country has grown and continuously diversified over the years with its many cultures, languages, religions, etc. As a country we must continue to work and strive for the rights of all citizens of American despite their ethnic, religious, or social background so that we can reach a point of equality for all mankind. 

Lincoln (Part 1)

Assignment # 9 Due 11-26-13

“The Constitution was ordained and established by the people of the United States, through the action, in each State, of those persons who were qualified by its laws to act thereon in behalf of themselves and all other citizens of the State. In some of the States, as we have seen, colored persons were among those qualified by law to act on the subject. These colored persons were not only included in the body of `the people of the United States,- by whom the Constitution was ordained and established; but in at least five of the States they had the power to act, and, doubtless, did act, by their suffrages, upon the question of its adoption.”

Abraham Lincoln

Speech at Springfield, Illinois

June 26, 1857

In this passage Abraham Lincoln is discussing the United States Constitution and the lack of rights and freedom that African Americans had. As Lincoln stated the constitution was designed and created by the people of the United States. Included in those “people” were African Americans. African Americans participated in the establishment of the United States constitution. In five states that granted them the right to vote, they voted for the adoption of the Constitution therefore, they should be included in the “people” when one refers to the Constitution and its laws.

I chose this passage because it does not make any sense that individuals did not consider African Americans citizens of the United State even though they voted in five of the states for the adoption of the United States Constitution and they lived in the United States when the Constitution was established. Lincoln made a solid and valid point when he discussed how African Americans were qualified by law to vote on the adoption of the Constitution, therefore making them citizens of the United States with rights and freedoms.

From the African-American Odyssey website, from the Civil War section, choose two parts, and summarize and explain them. If they include pictures, copy and paste the photo or image in your paper

 29th Regiment from Connecticut

African American volunteers were in readiness to serve in the Civil War when the Union called them. President Lincoln and Union leaders vacillated greatly on the question of the abolition of slavery and the employment of black troops. The Emancipation Proclamation put an end to these questions. Effective January 1, 1863, the Proclamation emancipated Confederate slaves and authorized the use of black soldiers by Union troops. By the end of the war about 186,000 African American men had enlisted.

Freedom's Eve--Watch Night Meeting

On New Year's Eve many African American churches hold prayer and worship services from the late evening until midnight when they welcome the new year with praise, thanksgiving, prayer, and confession. These services are called watch night meetings. December 31, 1862, was a very special evening for the African American community, because it was the night before the Emancipation Proclamation took effect, freeing all the slaves in the Confederate states.

Assignment # 8 Due 11-19-13

“Sir, we have, in this country, no adequate idea of humanity yet; the nation does not feel that these are men, it cannot see through the dark skin and curly hair of the black man, anything like humanity, or that has claims to human rights. Had they been white men and women, or were they regarded as human beings, this nation would have been agitated to its centre, and rocked as with an earthquake shock, and like the nations of the Old World, would have rung with the thunders of freedom against tyranny, at such an event as this.”

Frederick Douglas

Speech at the Anti-Slavery Association – 1848

In this passage Frederick Douglas is discussing the inhumane way in which black people were viewed and treated as slaves. Black people were considered less than people as white society could not see pass their differences, “dark skin and curly hair.” If the situation were in reverse and white men and women were viewed in the negative ways in which black men and women were viewed it would have been unacceptable. As Douglas stated, this nation would have been agitated to its centre, and rocked as with an earthquake shock.” The people of this nation would not have accepted slavery or mistreatment of whites in any way, shape or form.

This passage relates to our class by discussing how slavery is unjust and inhumane. This week’s lecture discussed the members of the abolition and women's rights movements. Frederick Douglas was an important member of those movements has he fought to end slavery which is depicted in the passage above. Douglas fought for the freedom of slaves through civil disobedience. He felt that the laws of the government were unjust and did something about it by promoting the freedom of black slaves.

This passage is significant because it sheds light on the inequalities of our nation at the time. Blacks were enslaved, abused and mistreated because of the color of their skin and the texture of their hair. In present day society many people still experience discrimination and racism in their everyday life. As a nation we have come a long way, but we also have a long way to go.

“The wife who inherits no property holds about the same legal position that does the slave on the southern plantation. She can own nothing, sell nothing. She has no right even to the wages she earns; her person, her time, her services are the property of another. She cannot testify, in many cases, against her husband. She can get no redress for wrongs in her own name in any court of justice. She can neither sue nor be sued. She is not held morally responsible for any crime committed in the presence of her husband, so completely is her very existence supposed by the law to be merged in that of another.”

Elizabeth Cady Stanton

“Address to the New York State Legislature” - (1860)

In this passage Elizabeth Stanton discusses the many rights that women did not have. Women could not own or sell anything, testify against their husband, or sue or be sued. According to Stanton, the rights of women were equal to that of a slave on a southern plantation. The very existence of women’s being was through that of another, her husband. Women had no self-identity or rights as an individual.

This passage is significant because it also sheds light on the inequalities of our nation. At the time in which this piece was written women were in a sense slaves as well. They could not do many things that men could do. They were seen as property of their husbands. In present day society the inequalities of men and women can be see in the work place. Men still earn more money than women and receive more respect than women in positions of power.

Assignment # 7 Due 11-12-13

“There are thousands who are in opinion opposed to slavery and to the war, who yet in effect do nothing to put an end to them; who, esteeming themselves children of Washington and Franklin, sit down with their hands in their pockets, and say that they know not what to do, and do nothing.”

Henry Thoreau

Civil Disobedience

            In this passage Thoreau is discussing the issues of slavery and war. As citizens of the United States, many knew that slavery and war was immorally wrong.  However, they did “nothing to put an end to them” as Thoreau stated. Many of these same citizens are said to be “children” of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin meaning they adamantly believed in their ideas and beliefs. George Washington and Benjamin Franklin had a common goal, which was to abolish slavery in the nation (although Washington owned slaves). They both did a great deal of work trying to do just that. One would think that as “children” of these men, American citizens would do a lot more to end the immoral issues of slavery and war. However, according to Thoreau many just sit around with “their hands in their pockets, and say that they know not what to do, and do nothing.” This is not representative of George Washington or Benjamin Franklin.

            I chose this quote because the topics of war and slavery are very important aspects of American History. To this day they are very controversial. Fortunately, slavery is no longer legal in the United States; although some people believe we Americans live in a modern day form of slavery. War still exists and continues to impact our lives in different ways. In today’s society there are people who are standing up for what they believe in and questioning the politics of the government. People protest, march, sign petitions, etc. to voice their opinions about certain issues within our country and/or state. There are also people who do not voice their opinion. Either way I feel that it is the choice of the person to take a stand for what they do or do not believe in. It does not make them any more or less of an American.

Go to the link for African-American Odyssey and under the section Abolition choose two topics from part 1 and part 2, research these topics, and summarize them and explain how they relate to the readings by Thoreau.

Part 1 – Antislavery Activists

            Many people were against slavery as it was seen as being immoral and a sin of god. This brought about the rise of many anti-slavery activists. Some of those activists include Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, and William Lloyd Garrison. Harriet Tubman was the conductor of the “underground railroad” that freed hundreds of slaves as she made 19 trips to South over a ten-year span. Sojourner Truth was an abolitionist and women’s rights advocate. After being freed from slavery she traveled around the nation and preach the truth of god’s word. William Lloyd Garrison, a white abolitionist wrote songs and poems that were used to create enthusiasm during abolitionist society meetings. All of these anti-slavery activists and many more contributed to the rise against slavery.

            The topic of anti-slavery activists relates to Thoreau by being an example of Americans who disobey unjust laws. Slavery is unjust; therefore the anti-slavery activists had every right to be disobedient in a civil manner.

           

Part 2 –  The Fugitive Slave Law

            The Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 mandated that states to which escaped slaves fled were obligated to return them to their masters upon their discovery and subjected persons who helped runaway slaves to criminal sanctions (thefreedictionary.com). This controversial law denied a fugitive’s right to a jury trial. This law put blacks at an increase risk of danger as many thought them to be slaves regardless of whether or not they were free. Many left their homes and fled to Canada. During the next ten years, an estimated 20,000 blacks moved to the neighboring country (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4p2951.htmL). Northerners who did not support slavery became increasingly defiant against this law. The Underground Railroad became more active and the nation became further divided.

            The Fugitive Law of 1850 relates to Thoreau by being a clear example of an immoral law put forth by the government. According to Thoreau citizens have every right to be civil disobedient when something put forth by the government is deemed unjust. Forcing people to take part in the capturing of fugitive slaves is unjust because it denied a fugitive’s right to a jury trial and put the safety of freed Blacks at risk.

Assignment # 6 Due 10-29-13

“. . . The recital, or premises on which the new form of government is erected, declares a consolidation or union of all the thirteen parts, or states, into one great whole, under the form of the United States, for all the various and important purposes therein set forth. But whoever seriously considers the immense extent of territory comprehended within the limits of the United States, together with the variety of its climates, productions, and commerce, the difference of extent, and number of inhabitants in all; the dissimilitude of interest, morals, and politics, in almost every one, will receive it as an intuitive truth, that a consolidated republican form of government therein, can never form a perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to you and your posterity, for to these objects it must be directed. This unkindred legislature therefore, composed of interests opposite and dissimilar in their nature, will in its exercise, emphatically be like a house divided against itself.”
Anti-Federalist # 14
     
       In this passage Anti-Federalist # 14 is discussing on how the size of America is too large  for a consolidated government to be able to preserve all the rights and protect its property. Each of the 13 colonies is different. They each have “its climates, productions, and commerce, the difference of extent, and number of inhabitants in all; the dissimilitude of interest, morals, and politics.” For that reason a consolidated government would not be beneficial to the 13 colonies as it would be incapable of protecting all of the colonies in terms of “establishing justice, insuring domestic tranquility, promoting the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to you and your posterity...”  The colonies would be better off without a consolidated government.
       
       In my opinion Anti-Federalist number 14 is wrong. A consolidated government is capable of securing the overall well being of the country as a whole. America is currently run by a consolidated government, which in my opinion does establish justice, insure domestic tranquility and promote the general welfare of its people. Our country is comprised of many states with different laws in each state. However, the government has laws in which we as a country must follow. Our checks and balances system gives each of the three branches of government a specific set of powers that can limit the powers of the others so that no one branch is too powerful. A consolidated government has proven to be effective in our country.
                                 
                                 Difference Between Horizontal and Vertical Federalism
             Horizontal federalism is the relationship between the governments of the 50 states. Vertical federalism is the relationship between all three types of governments, national, state and local governments. The powers of each form a vertical line within a constitutional sphere where the national government comes first followed by the state government and lastly the local government.