Separation of Church and State: McCain vs. Obama

The separation of church and state is one of many key issues being debated by our presumptive presidential candidates - John McCain and Barack Obama. The following link outlines what each candidate has stated about this issue. Further, the summary brings up a few quotes that each candidate has issued in the past, and compares them to their current stance.

What do you think? Is the separation of church and state a key issue in the current election? If so, how do you think each candidate could use this topic to bolster their campaigns?

Should the United States Be Like Jericho? Or Should The Walls Come Tumbling Down?

I was scouring the internet today trying to find a brand spanking new news story to post on the blog, when I ran across a piece on an older, but still developing story. Most of you probably know that the United States is contemplating building a large wall that moves along the border of the United States and Mexico. Presumably, the point of this wall is to keep "illegal aliens" from entering the country.

Much debate has occured over the past few decades about the affects that these "illegals" have on our economy and federal programs. As I was reading this story, it occured to me that the issue of those who are in this country illegally is quite relevant to us as social workers. As social workers, we are mandatory reporters of children and elders in abusive situations. However, I do not believe that we are required to report someone who is in this country illegally.

Should we be?

What do you think our responsibility should be with the issue of "illegal alients"?

Read this story from National Geographic on the issue to further inform your opinion.

Hate Crime in Northport

The above image was published in the Tuscaloosa news today in conjunction with a story concerning a hate crime. If you cannot make it out, the letters "KKK" were spray painted on the streets and trailors of eight Hispanic and 8 African-American residents of a trailer park in Northport.

When I saw this story, I immediately began to think about the hate crime legislation in the state of Alabama. I thought I knew what our hate crimes laws covered, but was surprised and dismayed to discover that I was mistaken.

I found an Alabama State website which provided a brief explanation of what was covered under the Alabama Hate Crimes Legislation. However, I wanted to find out what other states' legislation looked like. So, I found a website sponsored by the Anti Defamation League which provided a Hate Crimes legislation checklist. When looking at the website, it shows that Alabama provides for the following:

1. Bias Motivated Violence and Intimidation

2. Criminial Penalty (For commission of such acts)

3. Legislation covers race, religion, and ethnicity

4. Institutional Vandalism

5. Also included: Mental and physical handicap and

disability

Although it is wonderful that we have these provisions for the commission of hate crimes in the state of Alabama, we are still very seriously lacking in these provisions when compared with other states. As you can see when you view the website, other states have our provisions, as well as others which offer more expansive coverage:

1. Civil Action

2. Inclusion of Sexual Orientation

3. Inclusion of Gender

4. Data collection which includes both sexual orientation

and gender - as well as race, ethnicity, and religion

5. Mandatory training for law enforcement personnell.

Rhode Island, Washington, Louisiana, Minnesota, and California are the only states which include all of the aforementioned provisions.

After viewing all of this information, I believe I am much more educated on both Alabama's hate crime legislation and those of the rest of the country. Now that you know a little bit more, what do you think about our Hate Crime Legislation? Do we have enough coverage? Is what we have enough?

Thoughts? Comments?