It is ironic that the most developed and democratic country in the world incarcerates more people per capita than any other country, according to a U.S. Senate report. As of 2005, there were 2 million people locked up in federal, state and county facilities, and although crime rates are down, the incarceration rate has gone up more than 600 percent since the 1970s.
"Out having a taco." These four words look innocuous enough on their own, devoid of any seeming controversy. Now imagine a scenario that would find the utterance of these six syllables unacceptable and would result in the suspension of a long time ESPN broadcaster and former Miami Dolphins legend.
As people hear about the political debate concerning the Florida Senate Race, questions arise as to who will win the Republican Primary. Florida Governor Charlie Crist declared earlier this year that he would be seeking the Senate seat, vacated by Mel Martinez.
When I mention Iceland, I usually receive a very perplexed look. "Why," people's eyes question, "did you just bring a small island nation into our conversation?" On occasion, I will get the response "Oh, they were the country that went bankrupt, right?" as if an entire nation declaring bankruptcy was a casual occurrence.
While the nation has been captivated recently by the enormous costs of President Obama's proposed health care plan, the staggering costs of welfare have been left out of the discussion. Welfare accounts for approximately 11 percent of the federal budget each year, and this does not include Social Security, Medicaid, or Medicare.