Military regulation not democratic

By Mike Pankonien Staff Writer In a recent poll commissioned by The Family Research Council, a majority of American’s were found to be against letting congress set military policy (in particular “Don’t ask, don’t tell”) and would prefer the military itself decide its own affairs. Out of 2000 participants, only 23 percent believed congress should have the authority over the military to repeal “Don’t ask, don’t tell” compared to 59 percent who believe the power should lie with the military; this is a grave mistake. Since the adoption of our nation’s Constitution in 1787, Congress was granted the powers to “raise and support armies,” “provide and maintain a navy,” and to “make rules for the…

New laws restrict cell phone usage for teens on the road

By Gaby Moran Staff Writer Three things considered essential by teenagers are a car, a late curfew and a cell phone with unlimited text messaging. Many think they can rule the world with just these, but when the three are combined, the situation can get deadly.   According to Edgar Snyder & Associates, law firm in Pennsylvania, statistics show using a cell phone or text messaging while driving contributes to 21 percent of fatal car crashes each year involving teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19. This result is estimated to grow as much as four percent every year.  Even with the knowledge that cell usage and driving is a bad combination, teenagers still…