"Michelle Obama's trip to Spain"

"The First Lady's trip to Spain last Wednesday...has raised some eyebrows and started a controversy concerning the "lavishness" of her trip."

In so many ways we can agree with this. In every situation we will poke, dig, and provoke in every which way possible. In a way, we will never be satisfied unless our elected officials are in the same shoes, or unless we see an immediate change within a couple of days.

The controversy surrounding this argument is that the First Lady and one of her daughters took a very "lavished" trip to Spain to visit a close friend to the First Lady. Her reasoning was for condolence. With the opportunity present we would do the same, but like stated in the commentary, "All this is a result of bad timing...if the economy wasn't in such a destitute position and without such high spending of taxpayer's dollars, perhaps Michelle Obama's trip to Spain would not have come under such strict scrutiny." I completely agree with you 100%. Given the present circumstances and current events our economy is hurting and hurting ourselves for grandiose trips like these. But let's also not forget that our elected officials do not only depend on our taxpayer dollars. Before the Presidential Election, the First Family was a wealthy family from the start. With the President serving as the US Senator from Illinois, the First Family had a wealth of their own.

Coming into the greater public eye, now every move they make is put under a strict telescope.

Yes, the trip made was great and expensive, the security, travel and lodging were of high demand and a high rate. Not everything we see done will settle well with all of us, but we must stop scrutinizing the little things, the outside, the freedom from the office, as much and focus on the greater future.

From the quote you stated, "...the more expensive or lavish the trip, the greater the risk of criticism."

"No H8, Prop 8"

"Religion...a "private moral view..." should not infringe upon the constitutional rights of others."

This personal reasoning is shared to us by the U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker who turned down California's Proposition 8 last week. In many eyes, a wrong decision and a scare for religious conservatives. But for others, finally a step in the right direction.

Prop 8 stated that marriage was to be only recognized between a man and a woman in the state of California. This law stated the views of Conservatives rather than the general population of California.

Vaughn also describes that through research collected, what was concluded was that it was based solely on moral and religious views on the stance of same-sex couples are much different, "not equal," than heterosexual relationships. "These interests do not provide a rational basis for supporting Proposition 8."

Some say Vaughn's decision was somewhat tyrannical. Others say that he is trying to "scrub faith from the public square."

Like stated before, religion is an individual's "private moral views." Not that of the community or the population therefore religion should not dismiss the constitutional rights of others. "These interests do not provide a rational basis for supporting Proposition 8."

Religion is one's personal beliefs and morals, but as a country, we all have common morals and beliefs. We know what is right and wrong...for the most part. Those who believe same-sex couples should not receive the same benefits as opposite-sex couples is their belief...just a belief. This does not mean that they are not equal to anyone else. These individuals, like many of us are U.S. Citizens, they pay taxes, they work, they support their views of a family. How can we say just because they are attracted to the same sax they are not equal?

In this country, we are all equal. homosexual or heterosexual. Each person's belief is their own belief which should not "infringe on our constitutional rights." These individuals are forced to shun their happiness to make the the others "comfortable" and live up to their beliefs. As a country we must respect every one person's rights, being religiously wrong to some, right to others. As humans we have evolved...it is time that as a society we evolve as well.

RE: "The Silicon Valley of Pot"

I agree in where you say that kids who use prescription drugs are justified because a physician has directed them to, and how if marijuana were to be legalized how the youth would interpret the message that ultimately it is okay to posses marijuana.

We look at the facts how the negative effects of using marijuana is less dangerous than other drugs.

However, the revenue of this business would be booming for the already dying California economy.

Yes, we always face the risk of our youth, or the people, to interpret messages to their benefit, but that is our society.

Eventually, the fad of marijuana will pass. The positive economical contribution this will have on the state will lead for outsiders who sell illegal marijuana will lose their strength. Adults will successfully obtain the "right" one, legal and safe, that they no longer need to hide themselves or the habit.