Reflect on the interviews you conducted in Albany this week. Discuss your findings on the role of the Bill of Rights in modern-day U.S. society. Are the fundamental principles of the Bill of Rights reflected or distorted more in modern-day America? This blog should be supported with direct quotes and findings from your interviews.
Photos are not required to be posted on the blog but can be if you choose. Images must be handed in with captions for class on Monday. Extra credit is available for creating a poster, Power Point, website or other creatively formatted photo essay using your Bill of Rights in Action photos.Your interview transcripts are due on Monday as well. One set of notes per group is fine.
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Samantha Goon
Block A
November 17, 2007
The fundamental principals of The Bill of Rights are more distorted in modern U.S. Many people have different views as to some amendments because society has changed. Many people believe laws should be left up to the state, instead of federal, with evidence from our trip to Albany, New York. We interviewed four different people random questions. Our first question was based on gay marriage to a man named Evan. Even, from Long Island, works in a group residence and is 41 years old. Evan was asked if he believes gay marriage should be left up to the state or federal and he was asked what he felt about gay marriage. He stated "I think it should be state. If they (gay people) want to yeah, but I’m not saying they should. But, they should have the right to.” Then another man named Even was asked about the death penalty. Even, from Albany, is 26 and cook. He stated that he was against the death penalty and believed that it should be left up to the state. For the last question about abortion, we asked a man and a woman because we felt that women might have a different opinion. Steve, 48 from Albany stated he was, “not for or against abortion. It should be neither state nor federal. It’s good where it stands now and the federal government shouldn’t be getting into it.” On the other hand, when we asked a woman named Nancy, from Albany in her 40s, she said that she was totally against abortion. That it should be left up to the state.
The fundamental principles of the Bill of Rights are distorted more in modern-day America. Lark Avenue deli owner, Zach states, "The United States is corrupt, the Bill of Rights are always violated and the citizens always must pay." The goal of my group was to obtain views on the 10th Amendment of the Bill of Rights, from the state captial of New York itself Albany, 'The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.' The 10th Amendemnt leaves the state to deside on such issues as abortion and weither to allow the death penalty. Zach, "Abortion should be up to the state, in some states, rape is a huge case and if 'raped' abortion should be allowed." Zach's position can still be countered, how do someone else KNOW it was rape? In the novel, Lucky by Alice Sebold, Alice the protagonist of the novel was raped, thoughout the novel she goes through doctors visits and court hearings to determine if she was actually raped. Robin, an art gallery owner from also Lark Avenue is a pro-life supporter. "Abortion is wrong, because you are considered a manslaughterer." Robin goes on, "By law aren't they commiting an illegal act? By killing a child, even if it was up to the state, you're still a killer." Skeater then added to Robins case my adding, "The government or state or who ever has no right to say what someone can do with their own body. Look at me I have over ten tattoos and no one is stopping me." Different individuals have different views because society has changed, as Samantha Goon had pointed out. As society becomes more advanced, the views on the amedments will constantly change. Debating on issues out of our control will always be something we must go through.
Kristina Sanzone*
A Block
November 18th, 2007
In modern day America, the principles of the Bill of Rights have been reflected. While touring the streets of Albany, New York, we were able to see and actually talk to many different people to find their point of view by asking them random questions. They were able to feel perfectly safe answering our questions because, as an American, they know the Bill of Rights allows them express their opinions freely. We asked a middle aged woman named Nancy how she felt about abortion. "I don't like it. The state should be able to make their own laws on it based on how the citizens of that state feel, rather than make it a federal issue." Even though Sam Goon and I were in the same group and shared the same interviews, I have to argue Sam's and Michela’s responses. Sam wrote in her post "The fundamental principles of The Bill of Rights are more distorted in modern U.S." However, we both share very similar evidence, which apparently is able to prove both our points. Perhaps this shows that in today's world, since people's point of views are so widespread it provides both answers with plausible evidence backing them up.
Qadeem G.,A Block
The fundamental principles of the Bill of Rights are distorted more in modern-day America.The issues that arise as society ages,the Bill of Rights has to up to be up to date with society.When there aren't a set of rules for society that cover just about every part of society's loop holes then society becomes out hand.As we discussed in history class that too much government interference with society isn't what we need,well too much government interfence in some cases isn't right.The goverment should support and assist then to defy society and it's problems.
Emily Digrado,was asked what she thought about the tenth amendment being changed and her response was "Why should it be changed?We live in a democratic country and every amendment serves right.I they revised it then they would would have a good reason because we are capitalist and any changes they make is for the better".The problem with what she said is that,society will never advance their quality of life if they leave every decision up the government.A voice that is not heard is a voice that should be heard.From what Emily said,it seems that whatever the government does is politically correct,however,when the constitution was made it was created with society in mind with the society's voice.So Emily really can't say that whatever the government does is right because what the concept of the government was was to provide what the society needed,and to store order.So,if needs aren't met then the government isn't doing whats right and they aren't listening to society.
Digrado's response certainly exhibited that the Bill of Rights is distorted more in modern-day America because if the Bill of Rights were promtoed further rather then just on a piece of paper then people would believe in themselves as well as believing that they have a voice in the government.
I think that the Bill of Rights stands up very well in today’s society. These rights were very well written and thought out by our fore fathers such as Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and John Hancock. These were brilliants minds. Modern lawyers are constantly trying to test these Bills of Rights in our courts. We could go over these Bills of Rights one by one and see that they are being used today. Freedom of the Press, Freedom of Religion, freedom of speech, the right to assemble and the right to petition the government are still being tested by lawyers in the courts. The right to bear arms is still allowed in most states with some restrictions. Freedoms from unreasonable searches seizure are still not allowed by government till this day. We the people still have the right to due processes of law. We have the right to speedy trial by a jury of our peers. If we are arrested, we have freedom by excessive bail and punishment must fit the crime. The power of the states must be kept so that the states and federal government check and balance each other. In my opinion, 90% of the Bill of Rights reflects very well in modern society. The Bill of Rights is just as important in our government now as it was when it was first written.
The Bill of Right become harder to agree with as the years progress because some of the rights are very easy to go against. Many people think that the state should have control of are laws because they moost likely care about the opinions of the people. Much was said when I asked a young man named Tim. I asked him what he felt about gay marriage and whether it should be controlled so that the state should handle it and he said "Maybe the state should handle because they have the power to get the peoples voice out". Thats was a great answer because I agreed with him the state doesn't have the power that Federal has but will be heard more when it comes to the rights of the people. He also said that if the gay people want to be misarable as us they should give them what they want. What was really funny was that I believe I heard that from Robin Williams. Maybe this guy thinks we dont watch T.V lol.
Hay Everyone, I really enjoyed interviewing people even though some of the people me Khaidjat Cherricka YAsmeen and TArina interviewed didn’t make there answers interesting, they were very broad. People felt that abortion should be a federal law and he was strongly against abortion. The Bill of Rights is both, reflected and distorted in modern day society. I felt hat not that many Americans have a good understanding of the bill of rights neither a good history background of them. Some many people have so many different views because everyone has the right to an opinion and something I many agree with someone might not. The Bill of Right s is distorted because many laws meanings have been twisted and changed. Back to what one of the people we interviewed said ,Abortion should be a federal law, I do a agree with him everyone deserves the right to live. The other day in lit in MRs. Provesti’s class me Gerald and Kevin were conducting research on abortion and there are about 1.8 million abortions done world wide a year.! THAT’S CRAZY! I don’t think anyone should be able to abort a baby unless they were raped and statistics shows that only 1% of rapes end up getting pregnant and have abortions, which isn’t the majority of abortions. But I know there are so many people that strongly disagree with me .
THe BLog before was from me Ama Kwakye - A Block_
Gerald lara
A Block
The bill of right's priciples have been distorted today in the United States. as the years pass on, there are more difficult situations that distory the amendments and challenge their full meaning. The government tries to forcefully use these rules to enforce strict rules on many different types of people. many people also influence them to ban certain things. A situation such as gay marriage, is question by the government, but never banned in the United states. Some amendments these question are freedom of religion. Not really religion, but occupation. These amendments were created by the best minds of the 17th century. These rules or problems should be left up to the state to ahndle so not everyone may be punished for ones actions.
The fundamental principles of the Bill of Rights are distorted more in modern-day America. Many people feel like free speech is the best thing America have ever given. Americans now a days would say anything because they can. We interviewed two men in Albany. One on Gay marraige and the other on capital punishment. "Right to be as miserable as us." Gay marriage from a young man who is simply stating that once we're all married life becomes miserable. this guy shows an easy example of free speech. the other guy was asked about "Think it should be thrown out", capital punishment. this guy was also in his twenties. The principles of the Bill of Rights gives people a way to state their opinion which is wat a democray is about.
Karmila Saulong
Block A
The fundamental principles of the Bill of Rights are reflected more in modern day America. Many people have disagreed with this idea and many say the principles are distorted. However, I agree with Kristina Sanzone and I believe that the Bill of Rights is still up to date. While interviewing random people in the streets of Albany was difficult, many people gave broad answers. Many of the answers agreed with the Bills that were already created. Many said “yes” or “I agree” with the four questions asked. While interviewing someone rushing to go to work Leticia interviewed a man who answered to one question saying, “If people just follow the it [the Bills of Right] I have no problem with the law saying that we are or aren’t allowed to certain things. As long as they follow the 10th Amendment, Its fine with me”. While asking about gay marriage and how it is a federal or state decision, people said that they felt it was both while another person said it was a federal issue. While in Albany we saw that many people had different ideas but according to the people interviewed, they seem to agree with the Bills and their answers didn’t push the idea that the Bill of Rights were distorted.
Good evening all csihsis students and teachers,
As we have been recently learning in history the Bill of Rights are the first ten amendments of the Constitution. My group members and I strolled along the streets of Albany, New York, and questioned people regarding the role they feel the Bill of Rights plays in their daily lives. My first question was; do you think abortion is a federal or state law? Why? Hank L. a fellow street friend of mine feels that abortion is a moral decision and he is undecided about the issue. Hank feels abortion should not even be a law, because it’s a choice for the individual. I continued to ask the same question to my other friends in Albany to see diverse perspectives from different genders. My next patient of questioning was the lovely, Ophelia Foote. She said abortion should be more of a federal law but only if abortion is passed by choice. "Abortion is very serious at this point; it should be up to the women that is carrying the child. I mean in all honesty, sometimes it's a mistake and abortion is the only way out." My last victim of questioning was my cool friend Lacey, who told me she had an unplanned pregnancy and decided to have the child. However, on her part, she was married for two years, and wanted children someday, so when it happen accidentally they decided to keep their lovely daughter. Lacey is totally pro-choice under certain circumstances there would be needs to kill the child, but if anything she thinks they should be put up for adoption if possible. Based on this issue, I'm also pro-choice in any situation. The Bill of Rights has various different perspectives on various different concerns in America.
Love always and forever,
Kristina Catanese!
Mariel Elia
Nov.2007
While doing this project is was good to know that I didn’t have to explain myself to people when i was interviewing them about the bill of rights. The fact that many Americans do know their bill of rights is a positive thing because government tries to take advantage of us tax paying American citizens. Some people don’t know about their rights as a American. People like that should learn them because America is not perfect and tends to make mistakes and not only one. People should be more aware. One man that i interview brought up a interesting point about abortion. He said it’s the religion population brainwashing the government. We are NOT a theocracy but I agree with him. Catholics and Christians and many other religions disagree with the fact of abortion but many people today have the right to worship their religions as timely as they want.
The Bills Of Rights are more distorted in modern U.S because of the newer roles that led us here, the way we are. For example computer copy right laws they were never a round when our forefathers were living and now many people are trying to band many things that people can do with computers like hacking and getting free music. Or even, how some high people can pay off other high people to not band a law. For example how bush was paid off to not let our senior citizens to pay for higher med’s, which he was paid off again and now they do. Here’s what I think the state should handle because they have the power to get the peoples voice out, state doesn't have the power that Federal has but will be heard more when it comes to the rights of the people. So what I am ultimately saying is if it was up to the people to finally have say in their laws, then they should make the laws for the people that live in their state. And each state in their own way could achieve Freedom in their own individual way to make the people happy, Instead of having the distorted bill of right s that we have now.
Matthew bowlin
Goon - G : be sure to proofread your work before posting. Your summaries reflect that while the interviews were a success, you missed some key ideas from class this week (abortion IS federally legislated, but states can place procedure mandates to limit and or expand womens' access to them.)
Michela - G+ - thoughtful reflections! be sure to proofread your work before posting.
Kristina - G-: I agree that the evidence is inconclusive, but I feel you could have written a little more.
Quadeem - G-: You present some really interesting arguments, but I'm left wondering why you only conducted one interview.
Derek - S-: interesting response, but this post is supposed to include evidence and testimonials from the interviews you conducted in Albany.
Larae (Melissa?) S-: you followed directions but I feel more discussion of the amendments are needed to support your main ideas. Remember to put your name on the post.
Ama - S-: Again, there's a lot of your opinion here but I'm left wondering what WAS said in the interviews. Since you hone in on abortion, I'd like to hear which amendments you think this issue most directly relates to.
Gerald - S- - your posting does not reflect the interviews you conducted.
Music Soul (Mac?) S- your posting seems to be referencing an interview, but it's not fully clear. Be sure to meet the 200 word requirement.
Karmilla - G - solid journalistic work.
Kristina - G - well done; be sure to use appropriate punctuation when summarizing interviews.
Mariel - S, while your interviews were well documented, I wanted more detail/ background as evidence of your knowledge of the Bill of Rights.
Matt - S- - One thing I'd like you to watch out for is making sweeping generalizations or indictments on charactet without backing them up. For example "bush was paid off" is a serious charge that warrants further explaination.
The Bill of Rights are bound to become distorted at some point and time, yet, while on the trip to Albany, I came to the conclusion that for now, the interpretation of the Bill of Rights did not seem to change. overall most of the opinions that my fellow classmates had were similar to that of the people we had interviewed. Basically all of the people believed that the rights and regulations of states should be determined based on the needs of the individual states. Samantha brought up a good point about Steve and Nancy's different point of views. in the end, the best way to assure a more successful state is to use laws that the majority wants. The Bill Of Rights did set a foundation for the laws that we have today yet things change and new laws should be made. I think it would be a good idea to change The Bill now and then rather than basing constitutional rights on a document that was established so long ago
With change comes great responsibility. How can we decide what is right or wrong based on a document that was published so long ago. Not saying that we should completely scrap the Bill Of Rights, but there should be new Amendments added to it.
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