Democracy, is America really democratic. What influences the decision of democracy, can public opinion? Well the answer to that is yes! Sadly enough public opinion can influence the formation of democracy more than anyone can really imagine. Recently, there have been several political issues that have made the majority of the United States become extremely opinionated. Opinions are not bad, that is what makes us free. We as Americans have the ability to use our opinions to shape the future of the United States. However, we quite frequently don't realize that though we are free to have opinions it is not right to force our opinions on others.
For many years the gay and lesbian community have been petitioning the government to obtain the right to marry. Laws have passed and then been overturned because of public opinion. In an article written on August 4, 2010 by Jim Christie a federal judge ruled that the gay marriage ban in California was unconstitutional. In my opinion this ruling was right on. (http:///www.reuters.com/assets/print?aid=USTRE6735X120100804) Why, may you ask? America was founded on many ideals. These ideals were founded upon freedom from persecution and rights that allow us to be free of tyranny. Is it really the right of any American or anyone else for that matter to give or take away the freedom to choose whom a person wants to marry. Religions may be against gay marriage, but again Americans have the right to not suffer from religious persecution.
Another highly opinionated and very controversial issue is that of illegal immigration. America was founded by immigrants from all over Europe. Hundreds of years ago what are now considered American citizens have come from such countries as Ireland, England, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and yes even Russia. We were founded by immigration. Is it right that these people are here illegally? Well the answer to that question in my opinion has absolutely not. But, why can't we make it simpler for these people to become legal citizens? All these people want is what every American has, a chance to make things better. Public opinion has caused laws to be passed that are discriminatory in nature. They are causing what is called ratial profiling?
I hope that through this blog that people will really open their minds and decide that though we are strong, our wills cannot be put upon others. Public opinions can help shape our future but we need to watch and be careful of how we shape the future.
Egypt is undergoing an enormous change and they want to be free from tyranny. Public opinion if used in the correct way can help form a democratic government. It can also cause or create one that will never be free.
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