A federal judge ruled that Army Corps of Engineers' failure to maintain a navigation channel in New Orleans led to massive flooding during Hurricane Katrina. If the ruling is upheld, the government could be responsible for paying tens of millions of dollars to homeowners who had lost or damaged property due to water from the navigation canal, the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet. Is this a step toward victory for New Orleans residents who hold the Army Corps responsible for damage to their homes? Or is this an unnecessary expense the federal government should not have to pay?

November 11 marks Veterans Day, a national holiday honoring those who have served in the United States military, as well as the 91st anniversary of the end of World War I. On this day, all Americans are asked to pay tribute to veterans, but are we doing enough for them the rest of the year? With high rates of stress disorders, suicide, homelessness and health problems among troops, are we providing the support and care that veterans deserve?

This week, President Obama signed the first major piece of federal gay rights legislation, which adds violent acts against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people to the list of federal hate crimes. "We must stand against crimes that are meant not only to break bones but to break spirits," Obama said. "No one in America should ever be afraid to walk down the street holding the hands of the person they love." Gay rights activists hope this legislation will lead to other changes, including the repeal of the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy and the federal Defense of Marriage Act. What do you think of the new legislation? What do you think it means for the future?