Net ID: csbarra
Candace Nicole Sbarra
Bill of Responsibilities

1. Citizens should abide by all laws of the federal, state, and local governments.
Why: This is of utmost importance due to the stagnation and chaos created by the disregard to federal, state, or local law. 2. Supporting and assisting all other citizens who may be in need. Whether it be physical, monetary, or psychological, insofar as it does not put yourself or others at danger.
Why: If we want our world to improve we need to help in any way we can. Helping other people when we possible is the best way to start on the road to a better world. 3. Remaining aware and conscientious of the environmental risks of our actions and habits so that we can aid in the preservation and retention of a strong global community and a safe future for our planet.
Why: If we want our children to live in a world that continues to support and encourage human life then we should protect the world we have now. 4. Citizens should be required to have a working knowledge of the legislative and judicial system on a local, state, and federal level so that we can make educated decisions concerning the election of representatives and other political figures.
Why: In the words of Benjamin Franklin “The only thing more expensive than education is ignorance.". For us to remain ignorant of the way our system of lawmaking and policy enforcement works is to put ourselves in danger of being taken advantage of by politicians with selfish or greedy motives. 5. Citizens should remain tolerant and respectful towards the views and religions of other people and nations.
Why: For every citizen to be able to pursue happiness to the best of their abilities, they cannot be constantly set upon by those of a more popular or powerful viewpoint or religion. To avoid the rule of the mass so inherent in democracy, we need to work together for the greater good of all, not just the largest religious or political group. 6. People should not only support our nation when the Commander in chief declares a just and constitutional war on an offending nation, but should passively oppose the declaration of unjust and unconstitutional wars.
Why: To maintain a healthy relation with all nations, we must be careful of whom we condone a war with. For us to back our government in the wrongful oppression or invasion of an unoffending or innocent nation would put us in poor standing in the global community. 7. Those in positions of familial or religious power should not abuse that power to oppress and restrict the actions and rights of others based simply on race, sex, or sexual orientation.
Why: For someone to grow up in an oppressive environment can have a lasting psychological effect, and can lead to an inability or at the very least, difficulty in, pursuing happiness. 8. Everyone should remember that we are part, not only of our nation, but of the global human community. Everyone should remain as tolerant and informed of the traditions and views of the peoples of other nation.
Why: Also related to good global relations. If we want to be respected and tolerated as a nation we must remember that non-citizens are just as much a part of the global community as we are. Nationalist pride does not breed good foreign relations. 9. Those in positions of familial power (i.e. a parent or guardian) should do their utmost to raise those within their power in a psychologically and physically healthy environment.
Why: The health, both psychological and physical, of the next generation is important for humanity as a race to continue.
10. Citizens should maintain a lively and active approach toward education and learning.
Why: Just because we aren’t in school doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be teaching or learning.
Dear Senator Warner, I would like to discuss a bill that I feel could potentially infringe on the freedoms and rights of American citizens. The Protect IP Act (S. 968) is a bill designed by, and for, major media companies that have essentially avaricious motives and is not designed to aid or ensure that artists receive their well deserved royalties for CD’s, MP3’s, etc… Far from ensuring the artists recompense, it simply puts more and more money back into the hands of the senior executives of recording labels. I realize this may sound sensationalist and one-sided but I feel that this extends beyond the issue of whether or not people should have to pay for every minute of music they listen to. This is at root an issue of personal freedom. For the federal government to steal our ability to visit certain websites simply because they have been pressured by special interest groups I think shows a surprising weakness, or worse, a unity with these special interest groups. I hope that when it comes time to vote on this issue, you will side with the people of Virginia, and oppose this bill.
Sincerely,
Candace Sbarra