Blog 1.2: Local Govt and Devolution

Blog Post 1.2: Local Govt and 

1. What are the two sides in the argument over "sanctuary cities"?

Trump supporters want to crack down on sanctuary cities while residents of those cities firmly believe in resisting aggressive anti-illegal immigration policies.

2. What does Chester mean by "distributism"?

The distribution of economic and political decision-making abilities to local levels, meaning local control of the government, criticism of monopolies, and fierce patriotism.

3. How do liberals and conservatives tend to feel about devolution?

Conservatives tend to side with devolution of powers and states' rights. Liberals see states' rights as code for white supremacy.

4. Why do liberals find themselves increasingly supporting devolution?

Liberals are starting to support devolution in cities where liberals are more powerful than in the states as a whole. In addition, because of the differences between states, devolution allows for states to have diverse policies to suit the people's desires.

5. How does the author use the abortion issue to explain problems with federalism?

Conservatives and liberals think that there needs to be a federal rule about abortion, but either way the rule goes, it will always upset a portion of society who abhor the change. 

6. What prevents the local governments from solving more political questions locally?

State or local management of large political questions would require radical changes to federal statutes and reconsideration of many Supreme Court precedents.

7. Why does the author argue that conservatives would not really make drastic cuts to social programs?

Making drastic cuts would likely result in a decrease in support for the conservative groups. Without support, they will no longer have the power to create regulations.

8. How would people be likely to respond if states were able to have more varied policies?

Allowing more varied policies will allow parties to pursue a more accurate vision of their platform, making everyone happy for a period of time.

9. Why does the author argue that conservatives should end their opposition to sanctuary cities?

If conservatives support state prevention of localities when they embrace liberalism, conservatives will have no credibility in advocating for devolution of powers: if you won't let states choose how can you say you want states' rights?

10. What does the author mean by "True federalism is painful"?

True federalism means that we have to allow our neighbors to self-govern even if their acts seem atrocious.

11. What do you anticipate would be the biggest problem if more local governments had more control over policy?

I think the biggest problem would be that it would be more difficult for the national government to regulate functions in the local government if they went off tracks. Local governments may be able to wiggle out of regulations imposed by the national government through new policies.

Blog 1.1: ACLU at Charlottesville

Blog #1: ACLU's Stance on Racism at Charlottesville

Sarah Liu

1. What exactly does the ACLU advocate for?
The ACLU serves all people no matter their stance on issues and works to defend and advocate the people's freedom of speech.

2. How did the ACLU get involved in Charlottesville?

The city of Charlottesville had attempted to revoke the protest permit of one of the white-nationalist rally organizers, Jason Kessler. The ACLU stepped in to defend his right to protest in court.

3. Why have liberals increasingly backed the ACLU in the last year?

After Trump's election, the ACLU vowed to hold his administration accountable in court for the prejudices it has committed against the American people.

4. What argument does the ACLU make about governments and free speech?

Despite wide criticism over the ACLU's defense of the protest in Charlottesville, the organization argued that no matter the case, free speech is a right guaranteed to everyone. Without the protection of free speech, civil rights advocacy could be shut down because often, the government disagrees with the activists; therefore, gov't should "never be allowed to police free speech based on its content."

5. What does the article argue is the danger in allowing free speech of white nationalists?

Allowing white nationalists free speech may promote their way of thinking, making their group stronger and more popular.

6. Under what circumstance did the ACLU first start defending the free speech rights of hate groups?

The first major case the ACLU supported (and won) was the National Socialist Party of America v. VIllage of Skokie. A group of neo-Nazi marchers declared a march in Skokie, a predominately Jewish community with Holocaust survivors. Lower courts tried to block the protests, leading the ACLU to defend the neo-Nazis and their right to free speech and protest despite their hateful message.  

7. Why is the ACLU's defense of Milo Yiannopoulos so controversial?

Milo is a well-known misogynist who has targeted Muslims, the LGBTQ community, immigrants, and other groups. His words and actions are incredibly hurtful, but the ACLU is obligated to defend his civil rights.