Thanksgiving

On Thursday across the United States we will be celebrating Thanksgiving.  The tradition of dedicating at least one day to thanks dates back as far as 1621 in the United States.  While the original purpose was to give thanks for a plentiful harvest, it has evolved over time to a day spent with family and reflecting on the riches we have in our lives.

From its origin to 1863, the date of Thanksgiving was decided on by each state independently.  It was not until President Abraham Lincoln issued a presidential proclamation to uniformly recognize the last Thursday in November as a national day of thanksgiving.  In the midst of the Civil War President Lincoln was looking for any and all reasons and methods to unify the country.  While it may not have meant much in 1863, the establishment of a national holiday started a day of tradition.  Whether it be the turkey, football, or special desert, we each have special family rituals while focusing on giving thanks for the many things we have.

Do you think President Lincoln was right to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday?  Do you have any special traditions in your family for Thanksgiving?  If so, what?  What are you thankful for?

Idaho's Death Penalty

On Friday, November 18, 2011, Paul Ezra Rhodes is scheduled to be put to death by lethal injection by the Idaho Department of Corrections.  Rhoades is a convicted murder of three people in 1987 and has been serving his time on Idaho’s Death Row since his sentencing in 1988.

If Rhoades appeals are rejected he will be the first person executed against his will in the state of Idaho since 1957 and the second person executed since 1994. 

Rhoades was found guilty of gruesomely murdering three people in eastern Idaho between February 28, 1987 and March 19, 1987.  He was arrested shortly after the crimes were committed in Welles, Nevada.  The police found the murder weapon in his car while Rhoades was playing blackjack in a casino.  He was tried for each crime separately.  In March 1988 he was sentenced to death for the murder of an Idaho Falls teacher.  In May of the same year he was sentenced to death for the murder of a convenient store clerk in Blackfoot. 

His convictions and sentencing have been reviewed and affirmed by the Idaho Supreme Court in 1991.  His appeals to the U.S. District Court, the 9^th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court have all been denied.  His attorneys filed an appeal as late as November 15, 2011 with the 9^th Circuit claiming the process used in Idaho, if not performed properly, will result in cruel and unusual punishment, violating his rights protected by the 8^th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.  His appeal was again denied.

When I investigate the legal rationale for having the Death Penalty as a sentencing option, I find two reasons; deterrence and retribution.  The courts believe if a person is aware the death penalty is a possibility if they were to commit a capital crime, they may reconsider.  The courts also believe a criminal must understand how unacceptable their actions are within a civilized society and should be punished to the fullest extent of the law permitted within the Constitution, which is death.

Catholics have opposed the death penalty in nearly all cases.  The belief of the church is only God has the ability to take a life. 

Do you agree or disagree with the ideas of deterrence and retribution for capital crimes?  Do you think the death penalty is a deterrent for capital crimes?  What do you think of the death penalty from a moral viewpoint? 

Veteran's Day

November 11 is Veteran’s Day in the United States.  It is a day to remember the men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting the American way of life.  Through the years these individuals have put their safety and well-being in jeopardy in the name of freedom, liberty, and justice.  We owe all former and current members of our armed services a great deal of gratitude.

Whether or not you agree with the involvement of our military around the world, the support of our troops is necessary.  It is not the soldier who decides where to go, they take orders.  They go where they are needed and where they are asked to go.  It is a difficult life.  In addition to risking their life, they are often separated from their families for months on end.  They give up the comforts of Saturday afternoon football games, microwave popcorn, and a nice fireplace in exchange for tents in the middle of the desert.

It is fitting we dedicate a day during the year to remember those brave men and women who truly understand what it means to be called to duty.

What are your thoughts on Veteran’s Day?  What ways can you personally honor our veterans and current military members?  What do you think life would be like in the armed services today?

Most Powerful People in the World

Forbes Magazine released its list of the 70 most powerful people in the world this week.  The top 10 include the heads of state of the United States, Germany, Great Britain, China, and Russia, the King of Saudi Arabia, a retired CEO, a precocious 27 year old, the Federal Reserve Chairman, and the Pope.

Forbes is famous for its frequent lists of various things.  They rank the richest, the best, and the most powerful.  They rank women, companies, men, colleges, and countries.  Their lists are intriguing to the public fascinated with the ideas of wealth and power.

The 10 Most Powerful People according to Forbes from top to bottom are:

1.       Barack Obama – President of the United States

2.       Vladimir Putin – Prime Minister, Russia

3.       Hu Jintao – President, The People’s Republic of China

4.       Angela Merkel – Chancellor, Germany

5.       Bill Gates – Co-Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates’ Foundation

6.       Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al Saud – King of Saudi Arabia

7.       Pope Benedict XVI – Pope, Roman Catholic Church

8.       Ben Bernanke – Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, United States of America

9.       Mark Zuckerberg – Founder, Facebook

10.     David Cameron- Prime Minister, United Kingdom

For a complete lists go to:  http://www.forbes.com/powerful-people/

Why do you think the readers of Forbes are interested in the ranking Forbes publishes every so often?  What do you think of Forbes’ list of the most powerful people in the world?  Do you agree or disagree?  Does anyone surprise you?  Do you think there is somebody who should be in the top ten that is not?  If so, who?