Chapter 1: The Political Landscape
5/17/99

In the aftermath of the Columbine High School tragedy, the American public seems to be split into two camps-those who are gun rights defenders and those who are gun control advocates. Gun rights defenders argue that the possession of handguns is justified for self-protection, that handguns are used in legitimate sporting events, and can be used properly for entertainment purposes. In regard to the Columbine tragedy, several gun rights defenders contended that the presence of armed security guards would have thwarted the two shooters, or that if some of the students and teachers had been armed then the number of casualties would have been decreased. Gun control advocates argue that the Columbine tragedy may not have happened if access to handguns in our nation were more regulated. The Columbine shootings and numerous other violent incidents at our nation's schools involving guns might have been prevented if tougher gun regulations were in place.

For a web site that provides a number of links to different perspectives on gun control, you might want to go to Gun Control at http://www.tcom.ohiou.edu/OU_Language/project/guns.html#Pro.

1/14/99

Probably no issue in recent history has more divided the American public than the Clinton impeachment proceedings. Some argue that the President, like every other citizen, is not above the law and should be held accountable for his actions, which are perceived to be criminal in nature. Others contend that the majority will of the Nation is to condemn the President's behavior, but then to forgive his actions and move on with the more pressing matters of running the country.

To get some flavor for these contending viewpoints, first visit the web site hosted by the National Impeach Clinton A.C.T.I.O.N. Committee called Impeach Clinton Now. Then visit the site hosted by The People for the American Way called Let's Move On: Stop It in the Senate.

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