http://www.americanprogress.org/site/c.biJRJ8OVF/b.3459/ the Center for American ProgressThe Center for American Progress is a nonpartisan research and educational institute dedicated to promoting a strong, just and free America that ensures opportunity for all. We believe Americans are bound together by a common commitment to these values and we aspire to ensure our national policies reflect these values. Our policy and communications efforts are organized around four major objectives:
• developing a long term vision of a progressive America,
• providing a forum to generate new progressive ideas and policy proposals,
• responding effectively and rapidly to conservative proposals and rhetoric with a thoughtful critique and clear alternatives, and
• communicating progressive messages to the American public.
We work to find progressive and pragmatic solutions to significant domestic and international problems and develop policy proposals that foster a government that is "of the people, by the people, and for the people." We believe in honoring work, building strong communities, fostering effective government and encouraging free and fair markets.
The American Bar Association "Dialogue" series is built upon the idea of stimulating conversations about law and its role in society in high school classrooms and community settings. Often facilitated by a lawyer or judge, each dialogue includes background information, focus questions, and advice on holding civil discussions, as well as resources and other related information. Topics include separation of powers, the American jury, Brown v. Board of Education, and a dialogue on freedom focusing on American civic values. Following are brief descriptions of each Dialogue; you'll want to visit each Dialogue's website for more information and accompanying resources.
The U.S. Constitution was the first written constitution to create a government formed around the doctrine of separation of powers. Separation of powers gives each branch of government separate powers that act to check and balance the powers of the other branches. The framers of the Constitution deliberately created tension between the branches to ensure that no one branch would dominate our government. An understanding of separation of powers is fundamental to informed engagement with our government and the issues it confronts. We encourage lawyers and judges across the country to organize Dialogues in their community.
http://www.odeo.com/audio/1425398/viewPresident of the American Bar Association, Michael S. Greco examines the legal issue that has divided America since September 11: What can, and can’t, the federal government lawfully do in the name of defending us from the threat of terrorism?
Greco tells why he believes that Americans must reject the false choice that has been offered between protecting our security and protecting our liberty. “We can and must” , he says, “protect both”. Mr. Greco is a Boston Lawyer who received his law degree from Boston College School of Law. Born in Italy, he is the first ABA president to have been an immigrant.
This program was recorded live on June 7, 2006