What part do judges and the judicial system play in our freedom.

 This is just my thoughts on the subject......

Judges make up a branch of the government working between the executive and legislative branch. Judges in the judicial system primary tasks are to determine applicable laws and how they are interpreted to the public and individuals. Freedom is a right of the people of the great nation, but it also can be considered a privilege. Freedom can be revoke by the government after due process providing evidence where an individual committed a crime against the people.   Judges take individual cases and or violations and determine if laws established by the people have been violated in any way and if a punishment is needed. If a crime has been committed and the facts are proven beyond a reasonable doubt it is the judges responsibility to protect the people and hold people accountable. Next the judges not only review crimes and or law violations, but assist in protecting the people from the other branches of government and serve as a check and balance. If a law developed by congress is not fair in any way to the people, they many determine it to be unconstitutional and dismember the law. Holding the values of civil rights and guaranteeing the constitution is where judges and the judicial system come in part of government and freedoms. 

Question? Do you feel that judges make the correct decisions 100% of the time?

Japanese Tsunami 2011

The devastation of the tsunami in Japan and the pacific has been all over the new since it has happened. I would like to state first that my heart goes out to the people and the family's of those that have been effected.

I have seen President Obama offering to send help to the country of Japan to help in aid for recovery. I want to agree that this is a generous offer and should be done but on the other hand it made me think back to when our county was hit by Hurricane Katrina. I wanted to find out just how much others helped in our aid to recovery. 

Throughout my searching I found that japan did donate to the relieve but was surprised on the amount that was contributed by such a rich country. 

This is what I found:

I took this expert from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_response_to_Hurricane_Katrina

 Japan

The Japanese Foreign Ministry said that it would provide $200,000 to the American Red Cross to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina. Japan also identified needs in affected regions via the U.S. government and provided up to $300,000 in emergency supplies such as tents, blankets and power generators if they receive requests from the U.S. for such assistance. One Japanese individual, Takashi Endo, donated USD 1 million from his personal funds to Katrina relief efforts.

When I first say the amount I was like a kick in the butt compared to what aid other countries donated. For example. Yemen pledged $100,000 and is one of the poorest countries in the world. Qatar, a country that I have personally have no idea where it is at gave 100 million! 

I am not saying that we should not help out, but I just think that we should look to help out our the people of our own country more and other countries that help us to.  I would also like to add that I feel that we should send aid to countries in need, such as basic supplies and experienced people to help aid in the recovery. I just wanted to point out that some countries seen to help more than others.   Question: Do you think that we as Americans limit aid to countries in a time of need  when our own country is in need also? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APEsVeE7FGk

Something to think about.......

Salary of House/Senate...$174,000.

Salary of Speaker of House...$223,500.

Salary of Majority/Minority Leaders...$193,400.

Average US Salary...$33,000 to $77,000.