July 6, 2007
FOUR FOR FRIDAY
Q1 - Possession: Aside from your home and car, what is the most expensive thing you own?
Q2 - Race: On this day in 1975, Arthur Ashe became the first black man to win a Wimbledon singles title (in tennis) when he defeated Jimmy Connors. Do you think race still plays a role in professional sports or is race no longer an issue?
Q3 - Presidential Power: Earlier this week, in an unprecedented move, Present President Bush commuted the two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Lewis "Scooter" Libby, the former chief of staff for Vice President Dick Cheney who was convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice in the Valerie Plame CIA leak. Bush's action marked the first time that a President had ever commuted a sentence before the convicted person ever served a day of their sentence. Do you think the President of the United States should continue to have the power to commute and pardon those convicted of a crime? As background, President Bill Clinton handed out 456 clemency actions--which include pardons, conditional pardons, commutations of sentence, remissions, etc.--including one for his own brother, who was arrested for cocaine possession; while his predecessor, President George Herbert Walker Bush issued 77 clemency actions. (President Reagan, in case you're wondering, handed out 406 over eight years, while President Carter distributed 566 during his four years in office.) Again, the question... Do you think the President of the United States should continue to have the power to commute and pardon anyone convicted of a crime?
Q4 -Annoyances: What's the most annoying part of your day (aside from answering Four For Friday :-)?
Posted by Mikal at July 6, 2007 7:04 AM
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Q1 - Possession: Since I don't own a lot of 'stuff,' this one was pretty easy: My camera (a Nikon D80) and lens. At first, I thought it would be my computer (which I paid more for than the camera) but then a friend reminded me about depreciation, and since the camera is newer and in higher demand, I think, it wins out.
Q2 - Race: I believe race doesn't play as big a role in professional sports as it once did, but I'm sure it still plays some role (how can it not). These days, I feel gender plays a larger role. Take professional tennis, for instance. The women want equal pay even though they do not play as many sets as the men. And on the collegiate level, more and more colleges and universities are cutting non-revenue generating male sports than they are women's (more often than not, in the name of compliance with Title IX regulations). I'm not saying that I agree or disagree with the women tennis players or the colleges and universities. What I am saying is that gender seems to be a bigger issue than race (despite what Don Imus said about the woman's basketball team at Rutgers University).
Q3 - Presidential Power: While I often tend to disagree with the choices our Presidents have made, I do believe that their power to pardon and commute should remain in tact. That said, I feel that the power to pardon should only be used in the most extreme of cases. In my opinion, Bill Clinton should not have pardoned his own brother, who was arrested for cocaine possession, and President Bush should not have commuted the two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Lewis "Scooter" Libby. Far too many innocent people are sitting in jail because of the over-the-top actions of people like disgraced prosecutor Mike Nifong (the former Durham County, NC, district attorney who botched the handling of the Duke lacrosse case). The President of the United States should be more concerned about major injustice than he/she is about rescuing personal friends, family members, and allies.
Q4 - Annoyances: Driving east on 1200 North (here in Orem) and getting caught behind some do-gooder who thinks they score points with God by driving seven miles under the posted speed limit. Happens every single morning, and it is really, really annoying.
1. Well, I don't own a house...so it would have to be my computer.
2. I don't think race is an issue in terms of not being allowed to play on a major sports team, the U.S. recruits players from all over the world. I still think women don't get the respect they deserve in pro sports. How often do you hear about the WNBA? Why isn't there an all female national baseball league? I don't think men want women to be part of the major sports teams. But I do believe in equal pay for women who play the same sport as men. There really is no reason they shouldn't be paid the same.
3. I think the president should have the power to commute and pardon people. It's not right for them to pardon someone if they don't deserve it or if they are a "friend" or on their payroll. They're gonna do what they want anyway, unless more Americans work towards change in government.
4. Right now, the most annoying part of my day is between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm when I am sitting in front of my computer wondering if I will ever find my dream job, and feeling guilty that I don't have a job. (BTW, answering the FFF is not annoying). :o)
1) Most expensive thing: I would say my wedding ring - especially if we look at the implications of having that on my finger.
2) Race: It seems the opportunity for participation in professional sports is open to nearly anyone at this point. I think in the minds of average folk, race is not an issue which is good. The downside is, I've seen many instances where in an effort to integrate sports, the academic standards were compromised (ironically based on color), ultimately hurting many of the participants.
3) Presidential Pardons: This is interesting since its built into the constitution itself. Notwithstanding apparent abuses when granting individual pardons, it has been a healing tool for the nation overall. Two examples are the pardon of the confederate soldiers after the civil war, and the pardon of Vietnam draft resisters. One of the most famous pardons was given to Richard Nixon by President Gerald Ford before Nixon had been convicted of a crime, let alone spent any jail time.
4) Annoyances: I think the most annoying part of my day is not being able to reach someone when necessary. With all the tools such as: cell phones, email, Skype, smoke signals - I find it highly annoying that people would actually try to unplug and have a life. Just kidding - have a great weekend.
A1) Well I do not have a lot, but materialistic wise, I have a Diamond ring that was my grandma's that is worth...lets just say a lot.
A2) I do not think that it is that much of an issue, people seem to be more motivated by who and what can make them more money no matter what they look like.
A3) Yes
A4) Driving amongst idiot drivers, and all that damn construction!! AAAHHHHH!
1 - My dirtbike, just got it.
2 - It depends upon the sport, but I think race is still in effect, but the difference now is that it goes both ways. For years, quarterbacks where predominantly white, but now there are more and more black quarterbacks.
3 - Absolutely Not! Period!
4 - Hitting the snooze button several times in the morning.
1) Most expensive thing: Home theater projector.
2) Race: I don't think that race has as much to do with things now a days as money. Money talks. Men get paid more
because they bring in more money. I know that makes me sound like a biget, but it's just plain and simple economics. Players
get paid as much or as little as how much they bring in.
3) Presidential Pardons: I thought "get out of jail free cards" were fiction when I saw the movie "Clear and Present Danger." I think that
presidential pardons should be removed. We don't have enough moral people in office anymore to use that power correctly. I say we pass an
amendment to remove that power. Just like the amendment that limits a president to two terms passed after FDR died, abuse has made it necissary.
4) Annoyances: Not having enough time to go to the gym.
Most Expensive Item: I'd have to say that my big screen TV is the most expensive item we have. My wife's wedding ring is much more valuable (appraisal value) but we didn't pay as much for that.
Race: No question, race still plays a part in sports. Not to the same degree as before but it is still a huge issue.
Presidential Power: Yes, the President should still have the power to commute and pardon. He is the President of the United States, (Arguably the most powerful man in the world), I think he can handle it.
Annoyances: Having to drive a half an hour to get to work every morning is pretty annoying. I'm not a person that gets too annoyed of things.
1. Possession: Probably my computer. Originally worth about $1,500, after two years it's now worth about $500.
2. Race: Race stills plays a very small role, but only because we keep bringing it up. As for sex, I disagree that women should get paid the same, unless they put the same number of people in the seats (which is where much of the money to pay those exorbitant salaries comes from). If a woman can hit 50 home runs against MLB pitchers, then great, fork over the bucks for them. In fact, pay them more. I hate baseball but I'd pay money to see a woman hit homers or drive in runs in the major leagues.
3. Presidential Power: Sure, let's keep it.
4. Annoyances: Well, first let me say that in my experience, those who drive under the speed limit aren't thinking about God. In fact, they're not thinking about anything at all, which is why they are driving so freakin' slow. The most orthodox people I know in Utah are speed demon sinners.
I, too, am very impatient with ignorant drivers. But are they the MOST annoying part of my day? Hmm... well, if not they are pretty close to being up there, but I'd say it's people who don't understand or follow the right-of-way rules at 4-way stops, then honk and flip you off when you try to take your turn like I'm the idiot for not knowing that there is only one right-of-way rule: stop, wait for one person to go, then it's my turn. Those who don't take their turn are just as bad.
No, I take that back. Slow drivers make me madder. Idiots at 4-way stops are a short-lived annoyance. Slow drivers are longer term. They can cause me to miss green lights on my way to work and things of that nature. One missed green light because of one slow driver can result in my taking 5 minutes longer to get to work, and my commute is only 6 miles! Grrr!
1 ñ Does DVD collection count? I know thatís not really one thing, but with close to 300 DVDs, Iíve spent a lot of money on that collection. If that doesnít count, then I guess it would be my computer.
2 ñ I think it still plays a role. Not as big as it did in the past, but it does. I also think that nationality can play a role. For example, in the NBA, certain teams have embraced recruiting internationally and reaped great benefits from it, while other teams still seem to hang back. Being a Knicks fan, it is obvious to me that for some unknown reason, the Knicks have avoided the international players. I can think of many instances where they had the opportunity to draft or trade for players out of the European league and didnít. Meanwhile, top teams like the Spurs, Suns, and Mavs have embraced players from across the globe. Look at the turnaround Toronto has been able to make by making themselves an attractive team for international players.
3 ñ Wow, tough questions. I think it is something I would have to look at more closely to give a good answer. The checks and balances in our government system are there for (usually) good reasons; however, it seems to me lately that the executive branch (primarily the president) has too much power and isnít necessarily in ìbalance.î At the very least, I think there ought to be some sort of clause about using that power for family, friends, and known associates. That just doesnít seem right.
4 ñ I really donít consider myself to be a lazy person, but I hate waking up. If I ever sleep in (even on a Saturday or holiday), I almost always regret it, but at the moment of waking up my body always want more sleep. Itís an annoying to fight the battle every morning. I donít know how some people just pop out of bed in the morning. I wish I could.
Posted. Click the name to enjoy. ;D
1. Single most expensive item would be my Tiffany & Co. necklace. But if you add a bunch of the same items together that would be my makeup or DVD collections!
2. I don't think race is an issue anymore.
3. Yes - Executive Power
4. Dealing with all the non-working people and their kids during lunch hour! We need a law that forbids non-working or unemployed people from going to the bank, restaurants (other than crappy places that are kid friendly like McDonalds) and other places working adults try to make time in their limited lunch hour to get to. I say no one on the road from 11am-2pm unless you're bringing home a paycheck that the government took taxes out of.
Possession:
I'd have to say my china or silver service for thirteen. Most of the other expensive things I own I've bought used or built myself, like my computer.
Race:
I believe that it still plays a role. Not so much in an athlete's ability to play, but certain stereotypes still prevail. Especially when an athlete gets 'in trouble,' fans and the public are much more willing to give the benefit of the doubt to a white athlete.
Presidential Power:
I believe that the power should remain, but that limits should be placed on that power. Many of the pardons granted by Presidents of either party in the past 20+ years have been politically motivated, rather than out of any great concern for righting a miscarriage of justice. I suggest a set number of pardons available to be granted in any given year by a President, and no rollover of unused pardons. Maybe a review board in the manner of a Parole Board as well; but that would only work if their denials were legally binding. God knows that Dubya would probably find a way to weasel around that as well, though.
Annoyances:
Dealing with idiots at work who get angry with me because I do the job they've ASKED for, but not the one they wanted because they can't be bothered to fill out a work request properly.
1. My brain. Iíve spent most of my life educating it, teasing it, stretching it, wondering if I had water on it and scrambling it. I like my brain.
2. Unfortunately, race is still a factor. The whole world of ìplay for payî is somewhat annoying to me. I love to sail and cycle but I donít think I should expect it to pay me millions or even keep the lights on. Ooops, I'm stretching my brain.
3. WRONG! STUPID! NO NO NO!! I thought we all were supposed to be treated equally. My brain is starting to ache.
4. Going through junk mailÖwasted energy, both mine and the planet.
President Bush commuted the sentence of I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, sparing Vice President Cheney's former chief of staff 2 ? years in prison. A federal appeals court had refused to let Libby remain free while he appeals his conviction for lying to federal investigators because Bush stated "portions of Libby's sentence were too excessive" ó like the part that would require him to go to prison for his actions.
Throughout his administration it has been quite obvious that my president lacks knowledge on many subjects. For example, where's Osama Bin Laden? Another subject he lacked expertise on was whether or not Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. And now, it is clear to me that he has absolutely no clue as to what it means to be excessively sentenced. Hold up, Mr. President; please allow me to school you on this one.
In a final attempt to save our family's failing business 10 years ago, my husband and I committed a crime in which he was subsequently charged with and found guilty of armed robbery. With no prior criminal record, he received a life's sentence when, at the ripe age of 28, the judge remanded him to the Department of Corrections for a period of 60 years without the possibility of parole. When you consider the fact that the life expectancy for a black man in America is 68, he would be dead before he would be eligible for release.
Whether we want to admit it or not, there are tremendous inequities that exist in our judicial system. There are countless stories where two defendants with similar criminal records (or lack thereof) could commit two basically indistinguishable crimes ó yet nonetheless receive two wildly different sentences from different judges. A lenient judge might give a first time drug offender probation; a harsher judge in the same courthouse might "send a message" by sentencing the same kind of defendant to many years in jail.
On a daily basis in America, those who preside over our judicial system from the district attorneys to the judges have the power to choose whom they will show leniency toward and whom they will throw the book at. Jena, La., is another prime example.
The book was not only thrown at us, but at our six sons that are growing up fatherless. My husband and I take full responsibility for our wrongful actions and the impact that it has had not only on our family but the victims and their families. We have even reached out to them seeking their forgiveness. The sentence imposed upon me I successfully completed. I did the crime, I served the time. However, those rules only apply to some of us.
Because of the people he knows, Scooter will never see the inside of a prison cell. Without the help of God and a commutation of sentence, because of the people I do not know, have access to, or, the ones that just aren't willing to get involved in addressing this issue of excessive sentencing that is impacting our community so greatly, my husband may never see the outside of his.
Q1 - Possession: We own a ski boat, and it's not just the boat that's expensive--it's the gas, insurance, life jackets, skis, ski ropes, boat storage, repair, and cleaning.
Q2 - Race: I think race still plays a role in sports. I believe that caucasions still look for and support The Great White Hope more than they are willing to support a black athlete. Likewise, other races certainly look for people of their own race to make them proud. I don't see a problem with this. People of each race should be proud of their own heritage, culture, and outstanding individuals.
Q3 - Presidential Power: I believe we need to keep the system as is in order to preserve the checks and balances, but I think presidents often abuse the power. In the case of Scooter Libby, I think Bush made the right choice--I believe that Libby was just the fall guy.
Q4 -Annoyances: Anything that breaks my concentration and causes me to shift gears. I don't like surprises.
Q1 Do children count? If not...hmmm, my pride costs a lot, but does it cost me or cost other people? I am moving on now.
Q2 Race still does play a factor, but not as much anymore, because there is such diversity with race in sports.
Q3 I do not really have an opinion on this because I am not truly educated in the subject
Q4 Shaving sucks, laundry as well...and as much as I love sleep...bed time. There is not enough hours in the day to complete everything I wanted to. Plus, with my non-ability to sleep, It seems to be a waste of time anyways.
1. Possession: I own a house, but not a car at this time. Other than that, I don't have much of any value, really. I own two computers, a new fridge & stove, and a signed Greg Gorman print. My Brown diploma cost me about $40,000. Does that count???
2. Race: Race still matters today in every aspect of society, including professional sports. The only real question is, "To what degree?" I am certain of this.
3. Presidential Power: I don't question the president's powers of pardon & commutation. They should remain intact. However, I, and many others, evidently, question the president's judgment and common sense. He believes Libby's sentence is too harsh, yet such a belief is contrary to his administration's policies of mandatory sentencing, longer sentences, and less sentencing flexibility for judges.
4. Annoyances: The time it takes me to sort through and delete bulk emails messages, even with filtering devices in place. A long-standing annoyance of mine: people who repeatedly and knowingly use incorrect pronunciations, spellings, or grammar.
1. My wife's ring... far and away.
2. There's always going to be some impact, but really, the race issue has shifted from players to staffing, making it less visible to those who don't follow a particular league closely. On the other hand, FIFA officials in Europe are still trying to get fans to stop calling African players monkeys, so maybe the US is still the land of opportunity.
3. There needs to be a change, but not a removal. A limitation on numbers and a review committee both sound like reasonable suggestions to me.
4. The most annoying thing on earth is when you're listening to the radio, and every single station you've stored is on commercial, especially when they're all playing the same commercial.
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