Current Event #1: Constitutionality of the Extent of Federal Power?

(Hopefully) Pretty much everyone in America is aware of the ongoing national debate on the extent of the federal government's power. Obamacare, or nationalized healthcare, is really the biggest issue in this debate, especially among Tea Party Republicans, and of course, Obama.

Monday, the Supreme Court will be reconvening to address this specific issue- should the federal government take control of issues that have historically been delegated to the states? A lot of the subjects up for debate do seem to be approaching unconstitutionality (10th amendment rights) if given to the federal government. In addition to the healthcare debate, immigration, affirmative action, and gay rights are all issues that the Supreme Court will be tackling.

Although the Supreme Court is supposed to be completely impartial to politics, many are skeptical of whether the justices can leave their personal beliefs out of their decisions. Conservatives are questioning Justice Kagan's previous affiliation with legal defense of Obamacare. Likewise, liberal groups are questioning Justice Thomas' failure to report his wife's work with conservative organizations in opposition to the healthcare law.

It'll be interesting to hear the Court's decisions, especially since it's so right-leaning. It's great that the court is finally getting to these issues, although the political ramifications of the Court's decisions make me a little nervous, especially if the 2003 affirmative action case comes back up. It's also good that the Court is deciding on the constitutionality of Obamacare now, therefore the Obama administration will have to recover if it's so needed (which I feel it probably will).

Read more! http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/supreme-court-term-will-include-cases-highlighting-extent-of-federal-power/2011/09/29/gIQA3lbXDL_story.html