Please join us on Tuesday May 8th, from 7:00pm-8:00pm at the Waltham Public Library for a discussion about how to create a safer community for and with victims of domestic and sexual violence.  

 

Specifically, we will be discussing Bill S918 which protects the employment rights of victims of domestic violence by providing 15 days of unpaid leave to plan for their safety.

 

This event, being organized by Brandeis Senior Marla Merchut and Brandeis Junior Becca Miller is in conjunction with the Waltham Representative Thomas Stanley as well as

REACH and Jane Doe Inc. This event is an out growth of the legal studies class Advocacy for Policy Change. We believe this is an event and topic very important to the Brandeis community and we would appreciate your support and attendance.

http://www.sc-sl.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=by3HPDDiFTM%3d&tabid=53

A black man's only use is to dispense candy to white women, and when he fails to do so, he must be kicked until he works again.

This Skittles commercial blatantly promotes reliance on racist stereotypes and behaviors.

It reminds me of BlackJerry, except without the astute political commentary.

Really, Skittles?!

Hello everyone! I know it has been a while… I am currently part of the Brandeis in the Hague program! It has been so much fun

(You should apply for the summer or the spring program!) 

If you have been following the election, you may have heard about Rick Santorum's statement about euthanasia: Check out the video here.

He claims that 

1. Euthanasia is 10 percent of all deaths in the Netherlands. 

2. Half of those people are euthanized involuntarily in hospitals, because they are older and sick.

3. Elderly people in the Netherlands don’t go to the hospital. They go to another country because "they’re afraid because of budget purposes they will not come out of that hospital if they go in with sickness.”

4. The Dutch wear bracelets saying, “Don’t euthanize me".

I have asked several of my Dutch professors at the University of Leiden, and they have all told me the same thing. Only about 1-2% of the population are euthanized. Euthanasia is only administered upon request (so the individual must be conscious, family can not make the decision) and have to be approved by TWO doctors. The patient must be in control of all his or her mental faculties and repeat the request several times before it is considered. Both doctors have to diagnose that the patient is experiencing physical "unbearable agony", and that the patient is beyond medical care to recover. A commission of a jurist, doctor, and ethical expert must draw up a report. The majority of patients who ask for euthanasia have been diagnosed with terminal cancer. They may only live a few weeks or months if they continued receiving medical attention. 

Elderly people DO go to Dutch hospitals, and they do not wear bracelets saying “Don’t euthanize me". Suicidal individuals are not allowed to request euthanasia. I have also learned that doctors who do not consider euthanasia morally acceptable to not have to take part in the process. 

Although some Dutch do not personally approve of euthanasia, they understand it can be a kindness for those living with terminal illness. Brandeis, what do you think? Should euthanasia be legal if there are many precautions and procedures? Should Santorum have to apologize to the Netherlands? Let me know in the comments! 

Ever wanted to do that over a free lunch?

If so, this may be the event for you.

Social Justice in the Brandeis Curriculum

Wednesday, February 8, 12 – 1:30 p.m.

Alumni Lounge, Usdan



Professors Gordon Fellman (PAX, SOC), Laura Goldin (ENVS, AMST), Tim Hickey (COSI), Sue Lanser (ENG, WMGS), and Melissa Stimell (LGLS) will lead small group discussions about the following topics: What majors, courses, and programs contribute to advancing social justice, and in what ways? How could other majors and courses contribute more to advancing social justice? How do we define social justice, and how do we interact if our definitions differ? Lunch will be served.



Sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Arts and Sciences; American Studies; Computer Science; Department of Sociology; English; Environmental Studies; Legal Studies; Peace, Conflict and Coexistence Studies.



For more information: Dean Elaine Wong

"Brandeis has been offered the opportunity to have our students (YOU!) participate in a pre- and post-experience assessment survey in a study on the effects of study abroad. 

This study is funded by the Teagle Foundation and is directed by the Great Lakes Colleges Association (GLCA) and the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM)."

Most of the survey asks to what extent you mixed with the natives of the country you visited, so I've been interpreting "native residents" to mean Chicagoans and "native tongue" to mean English.

Part of me regrets that my "study abroad" program (as Brandeis considers it) took place in Chicago because it means I missed out on a lot of uniquely international experiences. However, I think to say that you only experience "cultural immersion" while truly abroad is ignorant: I still interacted with people of different cultures and had to adapt to living on my own in a new city, adjust to new fields of study, and more.

So maybe this survey wasn't quite intended for me, but I just like filling things out too much to resist.

The exciting part of the survey comes close to the end, with a series of role-playing examples! Some of the answers seem very obviously biased (I can hear them being said in an arrogant "American" voice) and I think I can tell which answer the survey thinks I should select if I am a culturally-enlightened human being, while others are more ambiguous. 

Because there are 24 of these role playing situations, and each is pretty long, I've included the one I like the most directly below, and you can click the "see more" tab if you want to read the rest.

92. During the last 30 years the Chinese government has implemented a strict one child per family rule in order to keep the population under control. The latest figures have shown the male to female ratio is becoming unbalanced with a ratio nearing 1.2:1. This has been caused by increased abortions of female fetuses. The largely patriarchal history of China, which valued males for helping the family’s economic prospects, has contributed to this trend. What should China do at this point?

76. Two executives, one from Japan the other from the United States, both working in a foreign office, were discussing how to host an important dignitary visiting from the local country. The Japanese man insisted the group must go out to a luxury restaurant for dinner. The American thought it would be best to give the visitor some privacy after work and give him some unscheduled time. Both men were insistent upon their plan and neither would agree with the other. Whose plan would be best in this situation?

77. Bjutu, an exchange student from Zimbabwe, was living with the Campbell family in central Ohio in the United States. One Saturday Bjutu and the Campbells went to the local mall to shop and hang out. Eventually they all went their separate ways but had decided to meet back at the entrance by 5 p.m. to go to dinner and then a movie. At 5 p.m., everyone was back except for Bjutu. It was not until 5:35 that Bjutu finally arrived back at the meeting place. The Campbells were terse. How might you expect Bjutu to react to the Campbell family?

78. You are enrolled in a campus class on criminology. One day the professor lectures on capital punishment (CP) and its effects as a deterrent to crime in a number of countries including the U.S. The professor cites several recent studies showing that the use of CP lowers violent crime rates. In one example the professor cited the low use of illegal drugs in Singapore where the punishment for drug use is death by hanging. Several students object to this information and, though they cannot cite a specific study, are certain that cultural differences and not CP impact the overall crime rates. What do you think about this topic? 

	The professor has cited specific studies and holds a PhD in criminology; he is likely right.
	The professor is likely just manipulating the data to prove his point, because it is too difficult to compare crime rates across different cultures.
	I prefer to do further research myself and decide based on my findings.
	Since culture impacts crime, it is difficult to separate these two issues.
	It is possible that the professor and students are both right, but hard to know.
	Regardless of ones cultural beliefs, capital punishment is wrong.

 

79. In the country of Nepal, poor families often sell their daughters into indentured servitude for monthly payments to the family. The girls are taken from their families and they often work for years. The girls get no payment and usually work long hours in conditions that many say amounts to slavery. During their servitude, they forgo any education and work continuously until the contract has been terminated by the parent or the proprietor who purchased their services. Which of the following best describes your position on this issue?

	If the parents and proprietor agree to the arrangement then it is completely acceptable.
	This is a violation of child labor practices and have long been condemned by civilized society.
	Since the culture of Nepal has condoned this practice for centuries, I see little reason to interfere.
	If the girls are not being physically abused, and payment is being made for their services, there is little harm in this arrangement.
	I would need to know more about the culture to condemn or condone this practice.
	Although this may be a cultural issue, the girls should be protected based upon common human rights.

 

80. You are in a market in rural China and you see a man and his wife bartering with a farmer for a chicken. The farmer says something to the wife, the man yells at his wife, and the wife drops her head, turns, and walks away. What cultural dynamics do you see occurring in this scenario.

	The woman may have shamed the man as he was bartering with the farmer.
	The farmer did not want to barter with the wife and the husband told her to leave.
	The woman was embarrassed by her husband’s yelling.
	‘a’ ‘b’ and ‘c’ are equally possible, but it is hard to know.
	The Chinese society is a patriarchal society so ‘a’ or ‘b’ are most likely.
	Need more information about the culture to answer.

 

81. Imagine you are invited by a friend, the oldest son of a local business owner, to dinner with his family. You arrive at the same time as another local guest. As the two of you enter, the local guest greets the grandfather, greets the father, and then greets the host. It is now your turn. How would you proceed? 

	I would greet my friend and allow him to make introductions.
	I would greet the grandfather, the father, and then my friend.
	I would wait and take my cue from my friend the host.
	I would wait for the family members to each introduce themselves.
	I would greet the family the same way the guest before me did.
	I would greet all of the family at once and not individually.

 

82. Imagine you have been hired by an employer who has offices worldwide. You are initially assigned to work in the domestic division of the corporation. You work with several college friends and enjoy the comfortable environment of the office. After having spent six months training and working in the domestic division, you are notified you will be transferred to the international division on the other side of town. In your new position, you will work with a multicultural group composed of colleagues from various nations around the world. Which statement do you think would best describe your reaction?

	I would be excited for the opportunity to work with a group of culturally diverse people.
	I would agree to go but might find it difficult to work with a culturally different group of people.
	I would likely try to find a job working with people more like myself.
	I would approach my employer and ask that I not be transferred, that I am happy where I am.
	I would be both excited for the new opportunity and sad to leave my friends and family.
	I would give the new position a chance, but if I was too uncomfortable I would find another job.

 

83. There are many global issues requiring attention in the near and distant future. These include global warming, terrorism, world economic policies, poverty, immigration, human rights abuses, renewable energy production, etc. Which statement below best characterizes your current actions to become involved in the resolution of one of these issues?

	I am actively involved in several groups whose purpose is addressing similar issues.
	I would like to become involved in addressing global concerns, but I am not yet sure how.
	There is really nothing any one person can do at this point.
	I am involved with a group that sometimes works to address these issues.
	I may become involved at some point in the future, but not at this time.
	I have been investigating or exploring ways in which I can help, individually or through a group, to address certain global issues, but have not decided to take any action.

 

84. You are looking for a restaurant in a major city in a Middle Eastern country. You pass a woman and ask her for directions. The woman turns and walks away without saying anything. Which of the following is most likely?

	The woman may have been unable to understand you.
	The woman does not like Americans.
	The woman was afraid.
	It is inappropriate for a woman to talk with a stranger.
	Do not know.
	Need more information about the culture to answer.

 

85. Beth, a medical doctor, was visiting an international colleague, Lourdes, in Philippines and was asked to attend dinner at Lourdes’s home. After arriving and being seated, a servant brought out dinner and began serving. Beth, interested in the unfamiliar culture began to ask the servant some questions. The servant simply smiled and nodded, avoiding eye contact. Lourdes answered the questions for the servant. At one point, the servant accidentally dripped a small amount of food on the table while serving. When asked a question Lourdes could not answer, the servant responded with a brief answer. Lourdes quickly spoke to the servant in a harsh tone. The rest of the dinner proceeded, but in a tense atmosphere. What dynamics caused the tension?

	Need more information to know.
	The servant offended Lourdes by dripping on the table.
	Lourdes might have been upset that the servant had spoken.
	I do not understand the culture well enough to say.
	The servant might have been embarrassed by the questions, especially in English.
	It is possible that servants are not supposed to speak to guests in Philippines.

 

86. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified child/youth immunization as one of the critical areas of health needing to be addressed with urgency. Millions of children each year die from preventable diseases. The mortality rate in Africa and many Asian countries is deplorable. Which statement best characterizes your feelings about this issue?

	I agree with WHO and intend to find some way to help.
	WHO should be going after large foundations like the Gates Foundation to help with this issue, though if there are ways I can make a difference, I certainly will.
	I have contributed to similar organizations working on this problem.
	The world population is so large that this is nature’s way of preventing overcrowding on our planet.
	I have actually volunteered my time to an organization that helps address health challenges around the world.
	The health problems of most of these countries is a result of corrupt government and could be addressed if the governments chose to do so.

 

87. Frank is an executive temporarily living in Turkey. He is responsible for doing employee evaluations for an office in Istanbul. He is assigned to work with a female colleague, Akshita, who is Muslim. As they work together, Frank develops a great respect for Akshita and her good work ethic. However, Frank begins to find it difficult to perform his job due to certain customs Akshita follows. One includes never being alone with him, even when they are discussing confidential employee evaluations. 

	Frank should ask another employee to be assigned to replace Akshita.
	Frank should request to be replaced by a female counterpart.
	Frank should explain the importance of confidentiality to Akshita and ask her to make an exception.
	Frank should work with Akshita to create a reasonably confidential environment where Akshita can still abide by her customs even if it requires others to be present.
	Akshita should understand the nature of confidentiality and remove herself from the evaluation task.
	Frank should fire Akshita since she cannot carry out her responsibilities.

 

88. One of the greatest crises the world will have to address is the depletion of oil reserves and the development of sustainable energy. For the United States, oil depletion could hurt our economy, but since we have huge reserves of coal we can maintain our current economy until new energy sources can be developed. Of course, this will mean contributing even more green house gases to global warming. Many other countries, which are just now developing their manufacturing resources, are beginning to contribute to green house gases. The situation is likely to get much worse as these countries continue to develop their manufacturing economies. What should average citizens do, given the dilemma we face?

	We should demand that our government immediately begin cutting our green house gas emissions and put greater resources into developing new, clean energies.
	We should support all those groups that are educating everyone about the negative effects of industrialization.
	We should take the lead in setting an example by reducing our emissions while also educating the world.
	There is little that the average American citizen can do.
	Science and technology will find the answers sometime in the future; we need not do anything at this time.
	Average American citizens are already doing a great deal; we should just continue to make it an issue for politicians to do our part in reducing emissions.

 

89. An article discussing the history of India made a case for its prominence in the world. The article contrasted many of India’s practices over its long history to those of the Western world. In comparison to the United States, the article concluded that India could be considered one of the great nations of the world. What do you think about the articles comparison? 

	India and the United States are both great nations, but cannot be compared fairly.
	India and the United States with their distinct cultures provide an intriguing comparison.
	It is not a good comparison to examine the United States and India; they are too dissimilar.
	The similarities and differences between India and the United States may be difficult to compare, but the analysis could provide interesting insights into both countries.
	The cultures of these countries can be compared, but in modern comparisons, the U.S. will likely be seen as superior.
	The U.S. is a developed nation and India a developing nation; this makes a bad analysis.

 

90. In many societies around the world women take on different roles. In some societies, a woman’s main role is to be subservient to the man. Some societies expect women primarily to take care of the home (raise children, cook, clean, etc). In other cultures, women work side-by-side with men in egalitarian roles. In still others, women are given elite status and men must serve the needs of women. What do you think the role of women should be?

	Women’s roles should be equal to men’s roles in every way, because the western world has shown that works best.
	It depends on the situation and the individual; the dominant role would change depending on the skills, knowledge, and physical capabilities of the people involved.
	The roles of men and women should be universal across cultures because men and women are the same across all cultures.
	Men, being physically stronger, should typically be in the superior role, because they can work harder and protect the family.
	Men have dominated most cultures throughout history since strength was necessary for survival; in modern times, women should be given the lead since strength is no longer an issue.
	Since women and men have different strengths and weaknesses, their roles should depend on those attributes that the culture values most.

 

91. Jack, a student from England whose father is a wealthy entrepreneur, attends a college in Qatar. This college has single sex dorms and prohibits members of the opposite sex from spending the night. The policy is very strict and violators will be expelled. Jack was lucky enough his sophomore year to get a single room in one of the dorms. On Valentines Day, he and his American girlfriend decide to spend the night together in his dorm. Very early the next morning, as Jack was escorting his girlfriend out, the RA, a Qatar student, caught him and realized he was breaking the visitation rule. As Jack’s friend, he asks you how he should discuss the situation with the RA. What would you tell Jack to do?

	Acknowledge that the RA should report the incident even if it might mean Jack will be expelled.
	Ask that the RA give Jack a warning but not report him because expulsion is an extreme punishment.
	Advise Jack to tell the RA to look the other way and not deal with it.
	Have Jack request that the RA privately record the incident but keep it ‘under wraps’ unless Jack has another violation.
	Tell Jack that he should work within the system and challenge the policy if he believes it is wrong.
	Advise Jack to tell the RA to look the other way and he will owe him one.

 

93. A documentary produced by a Russian filmmaker described the history and politics of Mongolia, one of Russia’s largest neighbors. The documentary described the greatness and size of the early Mongolian empire under Genghis Khan, but was quick to criticize the early society because of the atrocities that occurred under their barbaric leader. As the documentary moved to modern times, it described the Mongolian people as peasants, still very nomadic and barbaric in their ways. The narrator referred to the civilization as one that would do well to adopt more modern ways.

 

94. Many cultures have a history of arranged marriages where the parents of children decide early in the child’s life who they will wed when they reach a specific age. The dominant western culture, however, does not adhere to this cultural practice. As the world becomes more and more integrated, there are many immigrants to western societies, who still practice arranged marriages. What is your thinking about this practice?

	Although my views are influenced by western culture, I think arranged marriages are wrong.
	People who immigrate into a new culture should adopt the customs of that culture, because it makes life easier for them.
	It does not matter what I think, this should be decided by the individuals.
	Arranged marriages are fine because they are historically rooted in certain cultures.
	I need more information about this practice to make a decision.
	The point is immaterial, because no one can be forced to marry someone they do not wish to marry.

 

95. You are in a small village in the southern part of Africa and you see a father and child sitting at a table with a bowl of fruit. You watch as the father strikes the child who has just taken a grape out of a bowl. Which of the following is most likely?

	The father is excessively abusive.
	The child deserved being struck.
	This might be the appropriate cultural response.
	Need more information about the culture to answer.
	Do not know.
	‘a’ ‘b’ and ‘c’ are equally possible.

 

96. Throughout history, people have developed legal systems and followed laws that often vary drastically from one culture to another. Most legal systems are rooted, at least partially, in the religious beliefs of the culture. While some cultures have outlawed certain acts that are deemed cruel and unusual, many cultures still use various practices that some call torture in order to gain compliance within a legal investigation. How would you best describe your position on this issue?

	The Western world is always trying to push its values onto other cultures and perhaps it should just stay out of this issue.
	The cultures that include acts of torture in order to gain compliance are within their sovereign rights.
	Societies should be allowed to use any practices they deem necessary on criminals and uncooperative citizens.
	Every individual should have certain rights of protection from cruel and unusual practices regardless of their culture.
	Perhaps the United Nations should create certain legal rights that countries must adhere to in order to be members.
	I am not sure where I stand on this issue.

 

97. For thousands of years the dominant form of government was some form of monarchy. In the last several centuries, an increasing number of governments have been popularly elected. Even popularly elected governments can vary widely, ranging from republics to near dictatorships. Some countries still believe in the power of divine control. With which of the following do you most agree?

	Monarchies are best because they typically have a history of success within the country.
	Any popularly elected form of government is best for the people, because they most resemble the system in the U.S.
	Any form of government with strong central authority is best because there is less conflict in policy decisions.
	Republics are best because they may spread the power, and allow better representation of the people.
	It really depends on the culture and the people being served, because every culture has different needs.
	There is no one best form of government; it depends on the history and tradition of a nation.

 

98. An economist on World News Today was being interviewed about the differences and similarities between the United States (US) and the European Union (EU). The economist said the structure of the EU, with its constitution and goal of allowing freedom of worker movement across borders, was very much like the US and would likely create strong competition to the US economy. On the down side, however, she was quick to point out the difficulties of overcoming the various nationalistic attitudes, which the US did not have. Overall, she thought it would be interesting to see how the two economies would compete.

	The European Union likely has a better economic system than the United States.
	Two more-dissimilar economic systems may have been a more valuable comparison.
	The United States has a better economic system that the European Union.
	The contrast and comparison of these two economies, while difficult, could be useful.
	It is difficult to compare economic systems with much accuracy or value.
	This comparison is a valuable exercise in understanding how similarities and differences can be analyzed across cultures.

 

99. A large multinational corporation was seeking to open an office in the capital of Nigeria. The formal process called for the company to submit an application to the ministry of commerce. One of the executives for international operations completed the application and submitted it. Several months went by with no response. The executive decided to meet with the administrator, but had a difficult time getting an appointment. After trying several times, the receptionist implied that a “gratuity” (money) would help get an appointment. The executive was outraged at the thought of a bribe and left. What should he do next?

	The executive should immediately report the receptionist to a government minister.
	The executive should let some time pass and see what happens next.
	The executive should learn whether paying the gratuity is a cultural custom.
	The executive should advise the corporation that it should immediately abandon its plan for the new office since this country is corrupt.
	The executive should explain to the receptionist that bribes are not permitted by his company.
	The executive should hire a local person to deal with the cultural complexities of doing business in the capital city.

 

Many have protested this narrow definition for its gender-specificity and focus on physical force over the years. Now, CNN reports, the Justice Department released a statement saying they will be updating and broadening the definition.

"The crime of rape will be defined as "penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim."

Change.org, an online activist site that allows users to draft petitions in order to provoke change, e-mailed out a list of changes that have taken place in the past few months, including a petition urging the FBI to update their definition, in which they have been involved. 

Read below for the full text of the e-mail and consider starting your own petition today.

This is big. For the past 80 years, the FBI has used an extremely narrow definition of rape that led to massive underreporting of rape and insufficient federal funding for police departments to fight violence against women.

But after months of sustained pressure, including 140,000 messages sent via Change.org, Director Robert Mueller announced this week that he gave final approval for the FBI to update its official definition of rape!

That means you moved the FBI. And that’s not an easy thing to do.

Director Mueller’s decision is the most recent proof that when people band together to make change, no institution is immovable.

Just in the past few months, a 22-year-old nanny named Molly Katchpole used Change.org to force both Bank of America and Verizon to roll back newly proposed fees. A Women’s Professional Soccer player got U.S. Soccer to save her league when it was in danger of disbandment. And a grad student forced the Discovery Channel to commit to airing a documentary on climate change that they’d tried to pull from their line-up.

People are using Change.org every day to make real change. You could be next.

Start your own petition by clicking here.

Thanks for being a change-maker,

- Shelby and the Change.org team

Broadcast on ABC. Commentators: Josh McElveen, George Stephanopoulos and Diane Sawyer

Participants: Romney, Santorum, Gingrich, Huntsman, Perry, Paul.

9 PM EST

• Politicians' Business versus Political Backgrounds
  • Semantics

9:10

• In asking a question, the commentator misspoke, confusing "corrupt" and "corporate."
• As Paul was speaking, his microphone malfunctioned. Santorum jumped in, saying "They caught you not telling the truth, Ron" and then proceeded to laugh at his own joke. Paul did not acknowledge it.

9:17

• Santorum proving he doesn't believing in big spending: "I put on the board something called a spendometer!"

9:21

• Candidates continue to accuse each other of being insiders.
• Huntsman says he is the only politician onstage to have ever lived in 4 different countries.

9:28

• War
• Paul and Perry were the only two politicians onstage to serve in the military.
  • Throwback to Kerry versus Bush "Did YOU serve in the war?" Paul versus Gingrich style.
• Paul mentioned "Rick" and the camera went to Perry, instead of Santorum (who he meant).

9:31

• Paul asked about the racist literature published in his newsletters, under his name.
  • Doesn't give an explanation, but redirects to the racial biases inherent in our criminal justice system (blacks disproportionately arrested for drug offenses, drafted into military).

9:40

• The Constitution and the Supreme Court
• Romney wants a constitutional amendement banning gay marriage, and thinks Supreme Court should overturn Roe v. Wade.
• Romney won't answer the question whether states have a right to ban contraception or not.
  • Says it's an unrealistic hypothetical question (no state would WANT to) so won't answer.
  • Refers the question to the 'Constitutional Expert,' Paul.
  • Audience reacts for one of the first times- laughing, applauding his answer.
• Santorum says it's not okay to take a life (anti-abortion).
  • My mom says "SOMEONE BRING UP CAPITAL PUNISHMENT PLZ."

9:46

• Gay Marriage
• Gingrich against Civil Unions.
• Huntsman for Civil Unions but not Marriage.
• Santorum thinks Marriage Laws must be uniform against the country.
  • Santorum says that 1800 gay married couples in NH's marriages should not be federally recognized/allowed.
• Romney says marriage should be between a man and a woman since that is the ideal situation for children to be raised, and so the government should encourage it.
• Gingrich says Obama administration practices bigotry against Catholic Church and other organizations which refuse to allow gay couples to adopt, or provide other services for them.
  • Audience erupts in applause.
  • Romney says he agrees.
• Commentator George Stephanopoulos wipes away sweat dripping down his nose mid-asking question.
• My friend refers to Mitt Romney as "Ritt Mommy" and Ron Paul as "Pr0n Haul."

9:54

• War in Afghanistan: When can the troops come home?
• Perry would send troops back into Iraq.
• My mom thinks Sawyer treats Romney terribly (keeps interrupting him while he is answering her questions).
• Santorum implies Obama is corrupt ("Obviously a Chicago politician) for not renouncing Ahmadinejad's victory in last Iranian elections.

10:08

• Fred Thompson (Rep. presidential contender in 2008) now in AAG Mortgage commercial airing in debate commercial breaks.
  • I wonder how he feels right now. I hope he is not too sad.

10:13

• TAXES
• I have to admit, I am not familiat with most of the tax codes and legislation to which they are referring. 

10:24

• Huntsman: I went to Lindy's Diner in Keene, NH and talked with a guy named Jamie who owns a motorcycle shop….
  • Is this the right Lindy's Diner? Will it be extra-popular tomorrow?
  • This is great! Hunstman's daughters tweeted this on Dec. 11th.
    • "Fact about Lindy's Diner: Every Pres. since Carter has stopped here on their way to the WH. Dad is the only GOPer to come this cycle."

10:38

• Striking Ancestry.com ad featuring a black man saying he was afraid to look up his ancestry because of what he might find, but it turns out his great-grandfather was born a slave and became a businessman, 'so it was all worth it.'
  • Reminiscent of Hermain Cain.
• Best question so far: Where would you be on this Saturday night if you were not here?
  • Perry says he would be at a rifle range, ithers all say would be with family (Paul says he would read an Econ textbook after his family went to sleep).

CLOSING THOUGHTS

• ABC has the best coming attractions for the nightly news.
  • 'Who Shot a Kid in the Bronx?'
  • 'Why is A Group of People Standing Still to Keep A Killer Behind Bars?'
• One of the most boring debates so far.
• The audience was surprisingly quiet.
• The candidates were surprisingly congenial with each other, instead all focusing on anti-Obama lines.
• Candidates allowed to give long, drawn-out answers.
• Perry spoke least, Huntsman second least, then Paul and Gingrich, then Santorum, then Romney.

I love getting these kinds of e-mails from the Innocence Project.

They tell me about their clients, prisoners serving time, who they have helped exonerate through the use of DNA evidence.

Oh, our criminal justice system….

Read the full text of the Innocence Project's e-mail below:

What a wonderful way to start the New Year. Today in Dallas, Texas, Rickey Dale Wyatt was cleared after spending 31 years in prison for a crime that he didn’t commit. A Dallas County judge released Wyatt and recommended that his 1981 rape conviction be overturned based on DNA and other evidence.

Tragically, attorneys who prosecuted Wyatt 31 years ago contributed to this miscarriage of justice by concealing evidence of his innocence. The case was built on faulty eyewitness testimony, yet the victim originally described a perpetrator much taller and heavier than Wyatt. The prosecution dismissed these inconsistencies, arguing that the defendant’s appearance could have changed in the interval between the crime and his arrest.  But there were documents in the prosecutor’s file proving that his appearance had not changed.  Had this been shared with the defense as required by law, Wyatt may never have been found guilty.

The efforts of the Dallas District Attorney’s Conviction Integrity Unit to seek the truth in this case are exemplary. The Unit helped secure DNA testing of biological evidence, which supported Wyatt’s innocence although it was somewhat degraded. This evidence, as well as the discovery of prosecutorial misconduct at trial, compelled authorities to further investigate the case and ultimately to call for Wyatt’s release.

Ten Dallas exonerees also attended today’s hearing to show support for Wyatt and to celebrate his freedom. Mr. Wyatt plans to live with his nephew Robert Smith, who testified at his trial and who now ministers to people returning from prison. Wyatt and his family will greet supporters and speak to the media at a press conference outside the Dallas County Courthouse. The Innocence Project is assisting with Wyatt’s adjustment to the outside world after three decades of wrongful imprisonment. We anticipate his full exoneration later this year.

Mr. Wyatt’s defense team includes the Innocence Project, Gary Udashen, of Sorrels, Udashen & Anton and the Innocence Project of Texas.

Thank you for your commitment to justice,

 

Maddy deLone
Executive Director
The Innocence Project

That our country has a secret prison where we 'detain' people for indefinite amounts of time without trials.

It's called Guanatanamo Bay, and it's been open for 10 years.

According to the New York Times, in January of 2009, Obama issued an executive order instructing the CIA to close down Guanatanamo within the year, calling the secret prison camp "a damaging symbol to the world."

Three years later, the New York Times reports that 171 prisoners remain there now. You can read a docket listing the prisoners' full names. Many of them have been held since 2002, when the prison opened.

Help put an end to this unfair treatment by signing Amnesty's petition to Obama, participating in Amnesty's National Day of Action Against Guantanamo on January 11th in D.C., or simply becoming better education on the situation, for instance by reading Poems from Guantanamo Bay, poems written directly by the prisoners and edited by Marc Falkoff.

The full text of Amnesty's e-mail is included below:

January 11, 2012 marks the 10th anniversary of "war on terror" detainees at Guantanamo. We're not going to let this day pass quietly.

Sign Amnesty's global petition urging President Obama to finally follow through on his promise to close Guantanamo. Help us meet our goal of 100,000 signatures worldwide — signatures we plan to deliver straight to the White House door. 

We haven't forgotten President Obama's pledge to close Guantanamo, one of his first acts as president. Nearly three years later, the President has failed to keep his end of the bargain.

Even worse, President Obama has yet again relented to extremists in Congress. On New Year's Eve, he signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law, along with its appalling detention provisions.


We lost that fight, but there's reason for hope. The battle over the NDAA united activists across the ideological divide, who put differences aside and came together to oppose the NDAA. 

January 11th isn't just any anniversary. This year, it's acritical moment to rise up against a shameful decade of human rights abuses perpetrated in our name. We can't let the recent outrage against the NDAA simply ebb away — help us channel this passion into a movement rededicated to closing Guantanamo! 


Guantanamo is a costly human rights catastrophe. Military and intelligence experts have repeatedly asserted that Guantanamo and the violations it stands for are immoral, illegal and counterproductive to US national security. 


There is a simple solution to closing Guantanamo — either charge detainees and give them a fair trial in US federal court, or release them. 


Sign our petition to tell President Obama that we are tired of his excuses. Guantanamo must be closed. 

For many, the New Year holiday embodies humanity's hopes for the future. Here's to 2012 — and with your help, this could be Guantanamo's final year.

Sincerely, 
Zeke Johnson
Director, Security with Human Rights Campaign
Amnesty International USA

P.S. It's not too late to join us in Washington, DC on January 11th for a National Day of Action Against Guantanamo. Lend a hand to our human chain! 

Whether you agree with the Princeton Review's school rankings or not, this is a good opportunitity to influence this institution which informs so much of our education system.

So, take the SURVEY and tell the Princeton Review what you think of your school.

And post pro/con arguments for the ranking system to begin with, if you feel so empassioned.

This video is a really nice example of an "average American" sharing his voice in government.

I think he does a good job.

Zach Wahls Speaks About Family

Description on Youtube.

"Zach Wahls, a 19-year-old University of Iowa student spoke about the strength of his family during a public forum on House Joint Resolution 6 in the Iowa House of Representatives. Wahls has two mothers, and came to oppose House Joint Resolution 6 which would end civil unions in Iowa.



The fight to to keep marriage equality in Iowa continues, help us support Iowans like Zach. 



http://www.actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/12424"

The resolution passed in the House but did not make it to a vote in the Senate.

The Chicago Innocent Project, similar to Brandeis' own Schuster Institute Brandeis Innocence Project, investigates criminal cases in which prisoners may have been wrongfully convicted. According to the nationwide Innocence Project's site, there have been 281 post-conviction DNA exonerations in the United States, including 17 who served time on Death Row. If ever there were a strong argument against the death penalty, there it is.

This holiday season, why not watch some movies which explore the merits and flaws of our criminal justice system? Having only watched #s 10, 9, and 3, I can't vouch for the majority of the movies on this list, but all of them raise good questions and promote awareness of the flaws in our criminal justice system, regardless of their cinematic worth.

For extended synopses and commentary, read Protess' full article.

10. Conviction

9. My Cousin Vinny

8. In the Name of the Father 

7. Murder on a Sunday Morning

6. The Fugitive 

5. The Hurricane (a movie about the life of Ruben Carter, the Vice President of the Chicago Innocence Project)

4. Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills

3. Shawshank Redemption 

2. The Thin Blue Line

1. The Wrong Man