Blog #13

http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/22/world/europe/ukraine-protests/index.html?c=homepage-t&page=1

This article states that the opposition leader in Ukraine, Yulia Tymoshenko, has been released from prison. Her release may give Ukrainian citizens a figure to rally around in their protests against their current president, Victor Yanukovych. The article also explains that Ukraine's parliament voted unanimously yesterday to kick Yanukovych out of office. The day before, Yanukovych signed a peace deal with the opposition in order to end the violent protests of this week. The protests were a result of Ukranian citizens anger at Yanukovych for turning towards communist Russia and rejecting a trade deal with the European Union.

This relates to AP Gov because Ukrainian citizens are seeking a more fair and democratic system through these protests. Another reason they rebelled was because of Yanukovych's corruption and rejection of certain democratic principles. It's exciting to see a country succeed in overthrowing a corrupt government.

I'm really excited to see what Ukraine's next move is. I hope they make wise choices in these next few months, because these next months will be really important in creating a successful, democratic country. I'm glad their parliament was unanimous instead of divided in ejecting Yanukovych from office. 

Blog #12

http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/08/politics/holder-same-sex-marriage-rights/index.html?c=homepage-t

This article states that gay couples have recently been given equal rights in federal matters such as bankruptcies, survivor benefits, and prison visits. Prior to now a couple who got married in a state that permitted gay marriage and then moved to a state that did not was not recognized as a married couple. This new law applies to thirty-four states where gay marriage is not legal.

This article applies to AP Gov because it deals with civil rights and equality. Though gay people do not have full equal rights, this new law is a step in the right direction. Hopefully this new law will create a domino effect of laws that help promote equality for all.

I think it's wonderful that gay couples now have some of the same rights that straight people do. I hope that they will soon get ALL of the same rights because the Constitution says that all men were created equal, and it seems that by denying them their rights that we are going against the Constitution. You can argue state's rights all you want, but the Supremacy Clause in the Constitution states that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land, NOT state legislatures.