Candidates for public office … should feel comfortable explaining their religious convictions to voters, commenting about their own religious beliefs, explaining, if they wish to do so, how those beliefs shape their policy perspectives, and how they would balance the principles of their faith with their obligation to defend the Constitution if the two ever came into conflict. There is a point, however, where an emphasis on religion in a political campaign becomes inappropriate and even unsettling in a religiously diverse society such as ours.  Appealing to voters along religious lines is divisive. It is contrary to the American ideal of including all Americans in the political process, regardless of whether they are members of large and powerful religious groups, religious minorities, or subscribe to no faith tradition.

[Thanks to Michael Lieberman and to Jeff Huett for the lead.] 

Religion Clause

Origins Of German

There are about 95 million people in Europe who speak the German language. This makes German the third most commonly taught language in the world behind Spanish and French. Up until the 1800s standard German was only a written dialect. This was because of the wide range of pronunciations that were used in different regions of the country. The language remained divided this way until 1901 when they adopted a uniform pronunciation standard.

Where German Is Spoken

The German language is closely related and very similar to both the Dutch and English languages. German is also used daily by people living all over Europe as a way to communicate with both one another and travelers. For example, Austria, Switzerland and Belgium all have vast populations of German speaking residents. Studies show that in Austria alone 89% of the population speaks German as their first language. In the America, research says 5% of the population uses German on a daily basis. That translates to about 1.4 million German speaking Americans.

Europe

With so many people on the planet using the German language daily it would make sense that it was the official language of Germany. However, this is not the case, as the only place in Germany that recognizes it as the official language is Liechtenstein. German is also one of only 23 languages to be officially recognized by the European Union. It is the second most used language in Europe trailing only English.

German In The United States

After America’s Revolutionary War the new Continental Congress got together in Philadelphia to decide on the official language of the newly formed country. English beat German by only one vote to become the language of the United States. Traveling to Germany can be a very exciting experience for those looking to explore the German language further. It would certainly be helpful before you go to learn a few common phrases, however.

There are many institutions and universities that require a person to take a German for certain fields of study. Some of these subjects include chemistry, international business, anatomy, and even mathematics. Learning to speak German will give an individual a better vocabulary and comprehension of many other languages. Research shows that studying German also increases a person’s literacy. The Rocket German program is a great and easy way to begin your immersion into the German language. There is also a Rocket Italian review program for those wanting to learn more about Italy.

UPDATE: Razan Ghazzawi was released on Saturday along with her female colleagues. At the time of writing these lines Razan's male colleagues were still in custody.

Syrian security forces have arrested Syrian blogger and freedom of speech advocate Razan Ghazzawi on Thursday during a raid on the offices of the Syrian Center for Freedom of Expression in Damascus where the activist works. Ghazzawi was arrested along with thirteen of her colleagues, including the head of the center Mr. Mazen Darwish.

This is the second time Razan Ghazzawi is arrested by the Syrian authorities. She was first detained in December 2011 at the Syrian-Jordanian border when she was about to attend a conference on freedom of expression online. Her arrest sparked an online outcry and an international campaign called for her immediate release. Razan was eventually released after spending 15 days in jail.

Ghazzawi is a US-born Syrian blogger who has contributed to Global Voices Online and Global Voices Advocacy. She is one of the few courageous bloggers in Syria who writes under her real name.

One of the Free Razan posters shared by supporters after Razan Ghazzawi was arrested in December last year

The Syrian blog Nidalat [ar] is one of the first outlets to break the news. It posts the following statement:

The news caused disbelief among netizens who were very quick to react. Nadine Ghazzawi is Razan's sister. She tweets:

@NadineGhazzawi They arrested my sister Razan Ghazzawi again! She got arrested at work in the center of Damascus today evening

Journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin laments:

@ASE: Yet another sad day for #Syria and #FreeSpeech

BSyria remembers his last conversation with Razan:

@BSyria: I chatted with Razan yesterday. I asked her: Are u being harassed? She said, “No, I told u I'm not that important.” #FreeRazan #syria

For more reactions on Ghazzawi's arrest, please check the hashtag #FreeRazan on Twitter. A Facebook page calling for her release is also up.

This post is part of our special coverage Syria Protests.

Written by Hisham Almiraat
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Global Voices Advocacy

Passports

Passports have been around for a long time, originating in France; they travelled to the US and became valid travel documents. These documents allowed people to enter or leave countries or territories easily. The same applies today. Passports are necessary documents when it comes to traveling to a foreign country. Fortunately, with technology and the internet the American passport renewal are easy to obtain.

Athens

Athens is named after the warrior Goddess Athena. She is the patron deity of this ancient thriving metropolis. Greek myths of the clash of the titans versus Olympic Gods have permeated literature and other aspects of world culture. There are very few people who are completely unfamiliar with any Greek myth. History books are full of ancient epic battles involving the Athenians and surrounding ancient peoples.

Sites

There are many sites to visit in Athens, each rich with history and culture. The Parthenon is perhaps the most famous of the Athenian ruins. Its is the temple to Athena that stands on the top of the great hill, or Acropolis. There is also Syntagma Square, The National Archaeological Museum, and Mount Olympus. These are just a few of the many sites that Athens has to offer.

Parthenon

The Parthenon is one of the most famous sites of Athens. It is atop the hill, Acropolis. This structure was built in honor of the great Goddess Athena who was the cities deity. The Parthenon has had many uses since it was temple to Athena. It has been a church, a Muslim mosque, and was even a munitions depot when the Turkish occupied Greece. Through all that it has remained almost in tact.

Constitution Square

Syntagma Square is the business center of Athens, it is where the government buildings are and where city events take place. It is a brilliant square featuring the cultural focal point of city life in Athens. It is the prime place for filming and video shoots. Any walk through Syntagma Square is sure to be an adventure and you may end up in a Greek film.

National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum is the countries largest museum. It was originally constructed to hold the excavated finds from the nineteenth century, but since then it has grown. It now holds over 11,000 exhibits from Ancient Athens and beyond. The items featured range from pre-historic collections to the Bronze Age and also feature items from Egypt as well.

Syrian Blogger and Freedom of Speech advocate Razan Ghazzawi was released on Saturday along with her female colleagues. The news came via Razan's sister, who tweeted earlier this evening:

@NadineGhazzawi: Sister is home but she can't leave the country anymore…they won't allow her.

Free Razan poster used by supporters to call for her released and that of her colleagues

At the time these lines are being written, Razan's male colleagues remain in prison, according to Free Razan page on Facebook:

Razan and all the females from the SCM are FREE , Razan is FREE !

Razan was arrested earlier this week along with 13 of her colleagues during a raid on the offices of the Syrian Center for Freedom of Expression in Damascus.

This post is part of our special coverage Syria Protests 2011/2012.

Written by Hisham Almiraat
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Global Voices Advocacy

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Stem Cell Research

1st Time Applicants

Applicants obtaining documentation for the first time have to apply in-person. Applicants should fill out Form DS-11 but should wait to sign the form until directed to do so by the Acceptance Agent. Travelers must also provide proof of U. S. Citizenship and appropriate identification, such as a driver’s license or government-issued identification. Applicants, in addition, must submit photocopies of their identifying documents, pay the appropriate fee and provide an appropriate photo.

Minors

Minors under 16 must follow separate procedures. Minors should complete Form DS-11 and submit proof of U. S. Citizenship. Then, minors will have to present proof of their relationship to their parents, such as a birth certificate with both parents’ names on it. Parents must then submit their own identification and photocopies, pay the applicable fee and provide the minor’s passport photo.

Delivery Methods

Renewals may be completed by mail or in person. Applicants should submit an undamaged U. S. Passport and Form DS-82. The State Department recommends that people utilize a traceable delivery method and that they use an envelope that is large enough to hold their documents unfolded. If the documents are damaged in any way, renewal applicants will have to apply in-person.

Time Restraits

First-time applicants who need an expedited passport should make an appointment at their regional agency. Applicants who have fewer than two weeks before traveling or less than four weeks to obtain a foreign visa should call their regional agency. As long as applicants bring all documentation with them to the appointment, they may expect to receive their documents before the beginning of their trip.

Help Through The Mail

Mail-in applications can also be expedited. The State Department recommends that applicants pay for two-way overnight delivery to ensure quick processing. The outside of the envelope must be marked “Expedite.” The State Department website provides information about current processing times for expedited passports via mail but if these times will not get the renewal to the applicant in time for the trip, the applicant should make an in-person appointment.

Agencies Can Help

Many people are far too busy to jump through all of the adding American pass port pages application process hoops. To get documents through the process quickly, many people choose to use expediting agencies. Travelers will have no problem finding online listings for agencies but they should call the agency’s telephone number to verify its authenticity. If the agency phone number does not work, travelers should avoid sending their documents and payment to the company.

Child Passport

A children’s passport is a passport for a U.S. citizen who is under the age of 18. These passports expire every five years and are not renewable at that time. This means that a new passport for the child must be applied for every five years.

Necessary Paperwork

If you are going to try and get a child passport you will first need to acquire all the necessary paperwork. You will have to fully fill out the application. Also, when you send in the completed application you will have to make certain that you have also included any necessary documentation.

Things To Include

There are many requirements for obtaining a US children’s passport. These requirements include; the new application, proof of citizenship, parental consent, proof of identity, passport photos, and the reason for travel. All of these items must accompany the passport application in order to the process to go smoothly.

Proof Of Citizenship

Proof of citizenship will be in the form of a birth certificate, it must be the original and not the one from the hospital. Consent from both parents is required, unless only one parent has sole custody. Proof of identity would be a birth certificate or social security card. Last but not least two identical passport photos must accompany the application. These should be taken specifically for passport reasons.

Applying For A Children’s Passport

Once all documentation is filled out it can be taken to any agency that handles passport matters. The consultant will go through paperwork to double check and the necessary requirements. Additionally a passport can be applied for online, which makes things much easier. There are also fees incurred when applying for a passport. There is nominal government fee, and then depending on the agency in which you go through to obtain the passport there may be additional agency acquired fees.

Processing

It can take up to eight weeks to receive your children’s passport. That is if all documentation was filled out properly. If a problem occurred it could take even longer. If there are time constraints it is best to go through a private agency. Private agency fees may be a steep, but you are assured a US passport within the timeframe needed.

Because the statute unambiguously establishes procedures of uniform law, the instant dispute “can be resolved by applying neutral principles of law without inquiry into religious doctrine and without resolving a religious controversy.” …  The court is not asked to interpret religious doctrine or to evaluate church policies. The allegations at the heart of the complaint — that Appellees improperly attempted to remove members of the Board of Trustees — are entirely controlled by neutral application of section 617.0808.

Religion Clause