$15 Minimum Wage

This article is perfectly representative of the federalist system in the United States. While much bickering and finger-pointing goes on at the federal level of government, most of the actual policy is being created at the state, and local level. This article certainly raises the question of just how effective our federal government is, and further, just how high should our expectations for it be? Perhaps most matters are best left to state and local governance, and the federal government should keep their responsibilities simple, streamlined, and specifically defined. Of course, if the power is given to state and local municipalities, we could end up with a divided country where a $15 minimum wage is the precedent in one area, and severe voting restrictions (for example) exist in another. Which system would be better: One in which the federal government is involved with everything as a way to make all policy equal and far-reaching, or one in which states and municipalities can decide for themselves what is best?

Drones.

This article, although quite long, is completely worth reading. While it focuses on one individual who controlled drones for the United States Air Force, it also addresses the larger of issue of the United States using drones in fighting the War on Terror. I have to admit that after reading this article I strongly questioned the merits and constitutionality of our use of drones; what's your take?

Is the use of drones the best way to fight terrorists, seeing as it allows us to directly confront the enemy without actually having to mobilize soldiers. Or, is the use of drones a glaring example of the U.S. stretching the limits of our power and serious infringing upon other governments around the world.

Read this article, it's surprising, revealing, and just incredibly interesting. 

Spy or Patriot?

We haven't talked a whole lot about Edward Snowden in class. The linked article provides an update on his status and the relative hard-line many U.S. politicians are taking against this individual. This story has received a lot of attention, and the so-called 'analysts' in the media have been quick to turn this story into a debate over how to label Mr. Snowden.
Some say he is an absolute traitor for telling secrets about the United States, whereas others think he's a patriot because he has revealed the level to which the National Security Administration goes to gather intelligence.
Where do you stand on this issue, and why? What should happen to Edward Snowden?