State of Nature: Haiti

After the devastating earthquake in Haiti, the UN estimates the death toll above 200,000. Unfortunately, the situation has degraded to the point where, in some cases, there is an absence of government and police enforcement. The media has depicted incidents of violence, looting, and crime that have arisen in the aftermath of this devastation. However, there are also stories of heroism and bravery from average people trying to help out their friends and fellow citizens.

After our discussion of human nature and the Locke v Hobbes debate, we are now seeing a situation in which there is an absence of government in Haiti. The question now remains: In the absence of government, is human nature naturally selfish, greedy, and corrupt ?(Hobbesian View) Or is human nature naturally innocent or benevolent? (Locke) From reading the article below and what you have seen in the aftermath of the Haiti Earthquake please support Locke or Hobbes' view of human nature.

http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20100119/OPINION01/1190308/1038/OPINION01

Proposition 8: Constitutional or Not?

One of the most carefully monitored federal trials is beginning this week in California. The issue before the court is one that promises to bring out strong opinions on both sides. The court will be deciding whether California's ban on gay marriage is constitutional or not. Proposition 8 narrowly passed a state-wide referendum last year and now has been challenged by gay marriage advocates as discriminatory and ignoring the "equal protection" clause of the 14th Amendment.

Please read the New York Times article (attached below) and respond to the following question: Do you agree or disagree with Plaintiffs argument that California's ban on gay marriage (Prop 8) was based upon "legally irrelevant religious or moral beliefs" ? Also, the defense will be arguing that, "governments historically have sanctioned traditional marriage as a way to promote responsible child-rearing and that this remains a valid justification for limiting marriage to a man and a woman."

Which of these two points of view do you agree with most and why?

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/01/07/us/AP-US-Gay-Marriage-Trial.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=propostion%208&st=cse