Q. Several Catholic bishops have declared they will deny Communion to politicians who support policies that allow abortions. Do they have the right to do this? Why are they singling out pro-choice candidates? What about those who support preemptive wars or capital punishment? Answer: There’s no question the bishops have the right to do this. The … Read More
Q. Is it possible to hold elections where every vote counts and a vote for a minority party or candidate is not wasted? Answer: You bet. And best of all, every strategy designed to enable racial minorities, minority viewpoints and minority parties a real voice in elections has been used at one time or another … Read More
Q. My precinct will use electronic voting machines in November. Can I trust that my vote will be counted? Is there anything I can do to ensure it will be? Answer: Yours is a question very much on the minds of the 30 million or so Americans who will use electronic voting machines this fall. The … Read More
Q. Is it true that our voter turnout is much lower than that of other democracies? Don’t Americans care enough to vote? Answer: Throughout our history, Americans have passionately defended and fought for the right to vote. But we exercise that right far less than citizens in other countries. For example, from 1945 to 1998 voting … Read More
Q. Every time there is a terror alert communities spend millions of dollars for additional security. Who pays these costs? Is the money taken from the budget for public services like police, fire and schools? Answer: It depends. Here’s the background. The Homeland Security Advisory System, established in March 2002, consists of five color-coded threat conditions. … Read More
Q. The major broadcast networks were criticized for their very limited coverage of the Democratic National Convention. Could they respond by giving much more airtime to the Republican National Convention? Wouldn’t this violate the government’s “equal time” requirements? Answer: You’re revealing your age by asking this question. Although there was never, contrary to the conventional wisdom, … Read More
Q. Wasn’t the National Guard originally the state militia under state control? Today there are over 100,000 National Guard currently deployed in military conflicts around the world. Did the states have to give their permission? What is the effect of this deployment on the ability of states to cope with domestic emergencies like hurricanes or earthquakes … Read More
Q. Why are we stuck at 435 members of the US House? Are we less represented than the Founders intended? Answer: Let’s be clear. The Founding Fathers did not create a democracy. They worried that the direct involvement of the people in decision-making could result in political instability. To deal with this problem, they chose to … Read More
Q. The Supreme Court has allowed the words “under God” to continue to be included in the Pledge of Allegiance. Could you give me some background on the history of the Pledge itself? I understand the wording has changed several times. Also, do any other countries require students to pledge allegiance to their flag? Answer: The … Read More
