http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Articles/2012/12/20/Medicare-May-Be-the-Silent-Killer-in-Budget-Battles.aspx
this article seems to take place before the last election so im sorry if some of the information is old. Taxes was the biggest thing talk about in the battle of the fiscal cliff but medicare is looking more and more like an incoming spending problem. Boehner has slowly been raising the medicare eligility age from 65 to 67. obama did not like this change and started calling for saveings a medical drugs. The Congressional Budget office has predicted that this summer medicare will grow from 3.7% of the u.s economy spending this year to 6% by 2037. As national dept approaches 200% of our grosss demestic income.
my reaction to this is medicare is a raising problem. What you have to keep in mind though is the baby bommers are retiring or they are already retired. so they have been medicare eligable so that will raise the medicare spending rate a bunch. dont mean to sound rude but once they all die off the spending should go back down back to normal. I feel that we do need medicare and if were paying taxes for it, at least i know it is going towards a good cause helping people. like obama said "were not a country of takers, but of caring." The connection through the class is that we learned about of congress and the central government is split. the domcrates want medicare while the republicans want to eaither get rid of it or cut the spending by a lot. Obama, a democrate, as you can guess is pro obamacare so he is pushing for better stuff about medicare and its spending. the question is will the republican side of congress let that happen?
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Isaac Frantz Social Welfare
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obama-unveils-his-own-proposal-for-immigration-reform/2013/01/29/b27dcb78-6a47-11e2-95b3-272d604a10a3_story_1.html
In this article Obama talked about how he wants to reform the immigration laws to make it easier for them to gain citizenship. In his proposed plan, immigrants wanting to become a legas citizen would have to pass a backround check, submit biometric data, and pay fees before being put in line on the current immigration backlogs. The article did not provide a reaction to this by someone in an opposing party, but it did say that all political figures want to reform the immigration laws, they are just unsure of how to do so. Obama hopes to have a deal passed by this summer.
I think that this is a good step in reforming our current immigration policy. i am happy that we are allowing immigrants to gain citizenship in a seemingly-easier way than before, but i also worry about the social and economic effects if will have on our country. Other countries, such as Mexico, have a very different social aspect than we do here and this could cause dispute. I also think that once they get here , in order to get started financialy, they may take out loans that they may nnot be able to pay back, causing even more dispute and social anxiety. Knowing how our government takes a long time to pass anything I am skeptical as to when this will geet done, but I am happy to see that it is on the political agenda. this relates to our class because immigrat has always been part of American heritage and has always been a political issue. It also illistrates how something was brought to attention and put on the political agenda to be discussed by government officials.
In this article Obama talked about how he wants to reform the immigration laws to make it easier for them to gain citizenship. In his proposed plan, immigrants wanting to become a legas citizen would have to pass a backround check, submit biometric data, and pay fees before being put in line on the current immigration backlogs. The article did not provide a reaction to this by someone in an opposing party, but it did say that all political figures want to reform the immigration laws, they are just unsure of how to do so. Obama hopes to have a deal passed by this summer.
I think that this is a good step in reforming our current immigration policy. i am happy that we are allowing immigrants to gain citizenship in a seemingly-easier way than before, but i also worry about the social and economic effects if will have on our country. Other countries, such as Mexico, have a very different social aspect than we do here and this could cause dispute. I also think that once they get here , in order to get started financialy, they may take out loans that they may nnot be able to pay back, causing even more dispute and social anxiety. Knowing how our government takes a long time to pass anything I am skeptical as to when this will geet done, but I am happy to see that it is on the political agenda. this relates to our class because immigrat has always been part of American heritage and has always been a political issue. It also illistrates how something was brought to attention and put on the political agenda to be discussed by government officials.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
National Security - Taylor Amey
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/50632185/ns/technology_and_science-space/#.UQiixEpU5Vo
Iran, according to multiple reports, has successfully launched a monkey into space and safely returned it to Earth. They have allegedly used an Iranian-built Kavoshgar 5 rocket to launch the primate into outer space. This has been proven to violate a 1949 UN Security Council resolution that bans Iran from taking any action of testing ballistic missiles that are capable of delivering nuclear weapons. This has alarmed US officials and watchdogs on missiles as this experiment may be used to advance Iran's military program on missiles that may be used to transfer nuclear weapons to attack other countries such as Israel and other nearby nations in the Middle East. However, the Union of Concerned Scientists says that this specific rocket the Iranians have used will do little to none on advancing its missile program. Space officials in Iran have said that if the progress continues as is then the Middle Eastern nation will be able to launch a human into space by 2020, and to put an astronaut on the moon by 2025.
I think that this could be risky. However, I think I will take the UCS's word for it. Iran hasn't really been able to do anything. All they have done in the past few years is talk talk talk. I mean, this is the country that has made ridiculous claims in the past such as that large breasts on women cause earthquakes. Also, we have not seen significant progress from the Iranians from their "nuclear program." Honestly, we shouldn't be worried. We have more things to worry about such as the instability in Mali and Egypt. This links into government because we have been keeping a close eye on Iran for years ever since the reports of them starting to enrich uranium and other weapon grade material.
Iran, according to multiple reports, has successfully launched a monkey into space and safely returned it to Earth. They have allegedly used an Iranian-built Kavoshgar 5 rocket to launch the primate into outer space. This has been proven to violate a 1949 UN Security Council resolution that bans Iran from taking any action of testing ballistic missiles that are capable of delivering nuclear weapons. This has alarmed US officials and watchdogs on missiles as this experiment may be used to advance Iran's military program on missiles that may be used to transfer nuclear weapons to attack other countries such as Israel and other nearby nations in the Middle East. However, the Union of Concerned Scientists says that this specific rocket the Iranians have used will do little to none on advancing its missile program. Space officials in Iran have said that if the progress continues as is then the Middle Eastern nation will be able to launch a human into space by 2020, and to put an astronaut on the moon by 2025.
I think that this could be risky. However, I think I will take the UCS's word for it. Iran hasn't really been able to do anything. All they have done in the past few years is talk talk talk. I mean, this is the country that has made ridiculous claims in the past such as that large breasts on women cause earthquakes. Also, we have not seen significant progress from the Iranians from their "nuclear program." Honestly, we shouldn't be worried. We have more things to worry about such as the instability in Mali and Egypt. This links into government because we have been keeping a close eye on Iran for years ever since the reports of them starting to enrich uranium and other weapon grade material.
burroughs econ
http://money.cnn.com/2013/01/29/news/economy/spending-cuts/index.html?iid=HP_LN
In this article it talks about the possible spending cuts that could go into play. it is also called a sequester and it aims to reduce deficits by 1.2 trillion over a decade. The cuts were made to protect medicare, medicaid, and social security. Democrats want to focus on tax increase and defense cuts while republicans want to focus on defense and nondefense cuts. last week the pentagon said they were laying off 46000 workers 1 day a week those days being unpaid for 22 weeks. when the sequester was passed in congress it was thought to kind of bring the two parties together and get them to agree on a plan but they still haven't agreed on anything. some think that if the sequester goes into play that it will only have to be temporary.
I think that this is a good idea. I think it gets both parties to at least try to get some plan down to cut down the debt and if they don't then some action takes place that essentially gets the same effect. This relates to the class by when we talked about the fiscal cliff, tax, and how the House works by the Republicans and Democrats
In this article it talks about the possible spending cuts that could go into play. it is also called a sequester and it aims to reduce deficits by 1.2 trillion over a decade. The cuts were made to protect medicare, medicaid, and social security. Democrats want to focus on tax increase and defense cuts while republicans want to focus on defense and nondefense cuts. last week the pentagon said they were laying off 46000 workers 1 day a week those days being unpaid for 22 weeks. when the sequester was passed in congress it was thought to kind of bring the two parties together and get them to agree on a plan but they still haven't agreed on anything. some think that if the sequester goes into play that it will only have to be temporary.
I think that this is a good idea. I think it gets both parties to at least try to get some plan down to cut down the debt and if they don't then some action takes place that essentially gets the same effect. This relates to the class by when we talked about the fiscal cliff, tax, and how the House works by the Republicans and Democrats
Health Care & Environment!
http://www.noharm.org/us_canada/issues/climate/
Summary: This article mainly talks about how greenhouse gas emissions are increasingly dangerous to our environmental events and public health consequences. They are leading to a growing awakening of medical professionals and health care providers that help more patients than usual. According to the World Health Organization, climate change has a range of complex health impacts like temperature related illnesses and death, injuries and illnesses due to extreme weather events the spread of infectious diseases water borne illnesses, and wide ranging impacts from air pollution.
Reaction: I think that this is a problem because pollution affects us all even though we don't know it. By polluting the air, water, or anything else in the environment creates hazards for us. Like air pollution from factories can cause asthma attacks and health problems for people making it harder to breathe because of the pollution. A recent study by the Associates in Massachusetts found that among respiratory problems alone, coal and oil fired power plants in the state are responsible for 441 premature deaths, 313 hospitalizations, 8,880 asthma attacks, and approximately 78,000 lost work days. These Health impacts will be disproportionately greater in vulnerable populations including the very young, the elderly and the medically infirm. This goes to show that any kind of pollution affects our health and it destroys our environment. If we could only reduce this pollution without sacrificing the quality of care through a shift toward energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, I think this problem could be downsized.
Summary: This article mainly talks about how greenhouse gas emissions are increasingly dangerous to our environmental events and public health consequences. They are leading to a growing awakening of medical professionals and health care providers that help more patients than usual. According to the World Health Organization, climate change has a range of complex health impacts like temperature related illnesses and death, injuries and illnesses due to extreme weather events the spread of infectious diseases water borne illnesses, and wide ranging impacts from air pollution.
Reaction: I think that this is a problem because pollution affects us all even though we don't know it. By polluting the air, water, or anything else in the environment creates hazards for us. Like air pollution from factories can cause asthma attacks and health problems for people making it harder to breathe because of the pollution. A recent study by the Associates in Massachusetts found that among respiratory problems alone, coal and oil fired power plants in the state are responsible for 441 premature deaths, 313 hospitalizations, 8,880 asthma attacks, and approximately 78,000 lost work days. These Health impacts will be disproportionately greater in vulnerable populations including the very young, the elderly and the medically infirm. This goes to show that any kind of pollution affects our health and it destroys our environment. If we could only reduce this pollution without sacrificing the quality of care through a shift toward energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, I think this problem could be downsized.
National Security Heiderscheit
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/jan/28/2-women-take-first-steps-to-front-line/
My article '2 women take first steps to front line', discusses the first women to enter the Marine Corps' training program since women were officially allowed into combat last week. The women who have entered are part of a test, which is meant to give information on women's ability to finish and serve in the Marinie Corps. Those who pass will not be enrolled, because it's only trial runs right now. This new possible field for women would open up more than 237,000 jobs. Four women have volunteered so far to be a part of this test, two have been dropped since it's beginning. But that's not anything against the women who have volunteered, around 1/4 of the men dropped out after the first day.
Woah. Being part of the Marine Corps is basically the most insanely awesome and ridiculously difficult thing ever. The fact that positions are being opened up to women is even more incredible. Even more, the fact that it will be opening so many new jobs for women is also great. Surely there are plenty of people who think it's cool like me, but I wonder if there are some antifeminists who think otherwise. This article definitely relates to our class. It sort of sounds like one of the court cases we've been talking about (even though it wasn't actually one), because it's a large decision that will affect generations to come.
My article '2 women take first steps to front line', discusses the first women to enter the Marine Corps' training program since women were officially allowed into combat last week. The women who have entered are part of a test, which is meant to give information on women's ability to finish and serve in the Marinie Corps. Those who pass will not be enrolled, because it's only trial runs right now. This new possible field for women would open up more than 237,000 jobs. Four women have volunteered so far to be a part of this test, two have been dropped since it's beginning. But that's not anything against the women who have volunteered, around 1/4 of the men dropped out after the first day.
Woah. Being part of the Marine Corps is basically the most insanely awesome and ridiculously difficult thing ever. The fact that positions are being opened up to women is even more incredible. Even more, the fact that it will be opening so many new jobs for women is also great. Surely there are plenty of people who think it's cool like me, but I wonder if there are some antifeminists who think otherwise. This article definitely relates to our class. It sort of sounds like one of the court cases we've been talking about (even though it wasn't actually one), because it's a large decision that will affect generations to come.
Economics Haley Zap
http://money.cnn.com/2013/01/28/news/companies/toyota-global-sales/
This article, from Monday, is about how Toyota made the most profit in 2012. In 2011, that top spot belonged to General Motors. Volkswagen also did extremely well for itself, ranking third in the line-up. The article also talks about how GM used to be the leader for 77 years until it hit a rough spot in 2008 when gas prices were high and they were threatened with bankrupcy. GM recieved a federal bailout in 2009, and this is there surprisingly quick comeback. Now GM is predicted to stay on top for the next several years.
I think the article is pretty interesting because I didn't know much about the crisises with the car market. I'd always heard something about it, but now I know a little bit more. I think this will be helpful in improving the US economy in coming years and maybe reduce how much stuff Obama has to deal with with the poor economy. An increase in sales is also more jobs for American citizens, boosting the unemployment rate.
Since this chapter is all about media, this article fits pretty well. The article is surprisingly positive piece, but it also makes me remember how overreported the fall of GM seemed and how they are finally getting a little credit for their comeback. What I'm saying is that GM got a lot of press for their fall and little to none for their recovery. Even though it is a positive piece, it does include a lot of negative aspects like how Toyota and Volkswagen are expected to fall next year due to overseas economies.
This article, from Monday, is about how Toyota made the most profit in 2012. In 2011, that top spot belonged to General Motors. Volkswagen also did extremely well for itself, ranking third in the line-up. The article also talks about how GM used to be the leader for 77 years until it hit a rough spot in 2008 when gas prices were high and they were threatened with bankrupcy. GM recieved a federal bailout in 2009, and this is there surprisingly quick comeback. Now GM is predicted to stay on top for the next several years.
I think the article is pretty interesting because I didn't know much about the crisises with the car market. I'd always heard something about it, but now I know a little bit more. I think this will be helpful in improving the US economy in coming years and maybe reduce how much stuff Obama has to deal with with the poor economy. An increase in sales is also more jobs for American citizens, boosting the unemployment rate.
Since this chapter is all about media, this article fits pretty well. The article is surprisingly positive piece, but it also makes me remember how overreported the fall of GM seemed and how they are finally getting a little credit for their comeback. What I'm saying is that GM got a lot of press for their fall and little to none for their recovery. Even though it is a positive piece, it does include a lot of negative aspects like how Toyota and Volkswagen are expected to fall next year due to overseas economies.
Economics- Seaba
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/07/opinion/krugman-the-big-fail.html?ref=unitedstateseconomy&_r=0
Summary: The annual meeting of the American Economic Association and affiliates has come and gone for this year. This year the theme dominating discussion is the ongoing economic crisis. If you had asked the economists at the meeting three years ago, most of them would have predicted that by now we'd be ttalking about the end of thhe crisis, not why it still continues. So what went wrong? Mainly the triumph of bad ideas. Some people would like to blame the economists for the failures of recent years. The truth is standard economics offered good answers, but political leaders and economists chose to ignore what the should have known. The financial crisis lead to a sharp fall in private spending and this fall in private spending led to a global recession. Economy is not like a household. A family can decide to spend less money and try to earn more money, But in economy spending and earning go together. They had to do something to fix this. The crisis in Greece was taken, wrongly, as a sign that all government better cut spending and deficits right away. Austerity became the order of the day, and supposed experts that should have known better cheered it on. The premature turn to Austerity was a big mistake. And Republicans insist that they'll use a confontation over the debt ceiling to demand spending cuts that would send us right back into recession.
Reaction: It seem kinda dumb that the political leaders and some economists chose to ignore the standard economics. I also think it is dumb of the republicans to use a confrontation over the debt ceilig to demand spending cuts that they know will just put us right back where we started, in a recession. This connects to class because we are talking about party platforms, and the republicans want to use a confrontation over th debt ceiling to demand spending cuts is a plank.
Summary: The annual meeting of the American Economic Association and affiliates has come and gone for this year. This year the theme dominating discussion is the ongoing economic crisis. If you had asked the economists at the meeting three years ago, most of them would have predicted that by now we'd be ttalking about the end of thhe crisis, not why it still continues. So what went wrong? Mainly the triumph of bad ideas. Some people would like to blame the economists for the failures of recent years. The truth is standard economics offered good answers, but political leaders and economists chose to ignore what the should have known. The financial crisis lead to a sharp fall in private spending and this fall in private spending led to a global recession. Economy is not like a household. A family can decide to spend less money and try to earn more money, But in economy spending and earning go together. They had to do something to fix this. The crisis in Greece was taken, wrongly, as a sign that all government better cut spending and deficits right away. Austerity became the order of the day, and supposed experts that should have known better cheered it on. The premature turn to Austerity was a big mistake. And Republicans insist that they'll use a confontation over the debt ceiling to demand spending cuts that would send us right back into recession.
Reaction: It seem kinda dumb that the political leaders and some economists chose to ignore the standard economics. I also think it is dumb of the republicans to use a confrontation over the debt ceilig to demand spending cuts that they know will just put us right back where we started, in a recession. This connects to class because we are talking about party platforms, and the republicans want to use a confrontation over th debt ceiling to demand spending cuts is a plank.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Health Care and Environment Midey
http:// http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/01/28/who-wants-to-sit-in-the-hot-seat-on-a-federal-health-care-panel/
Summary: In this article it talks about the changes in health care and how they are opening 15 jobs to people as a part of the Affordable Care Act. Basically, these 15 people will be able to reduce the Medicare doctors' reimbursement and come up with new ways to deliver high quality care or less. Unfortunately the person that is most qualified for the job and the one they want to do it has absolutely no interest in the job. It explains how many people wouldn't want to take the job because it would be all about politics and they wouldn't ever know for sure if it will be a steady job. They also wouldn't want the job because they will have a limited salary, the organization has uncertain authority, and will be widely criticized.
Reaction: I think that I would be the same way and not want to take the job. people would criticize all the time and work would constantly be political. I think that they need someone to take the job though so that they can lower the costs. They also would find new ways to have higher quality care. This relates to the class because this is the first time a group besides the legislation gets to decide what the Medicare doctors pay is. Congress can suggest cuts but independent payment advisory board's cuts happen immediately. Also if they can't find 15 well trained people to fill the positions, they can't make any changes to help lower costs. The organization is criticized and very political and a lot of people don't want that
Social Welfare -- Hale
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/02/us/02welfare.html?ref=welfareus
This article speaks directly to the effect of the Economy on Welfare. Primarily, regardless of the rising unemployment, the reformed welfare programs are indifferent. It states that of 12 states citing rapidly increasing unemployment, 8 have either cut welfare, or have remained the same. The main reasons that the states are remaining indifferent to the struggling economy is due to the clause in the reform bill that leaves the majority of the bill to the state itself. Though with that comes the ability to make state welfare laws, the state still has to pay a hefty welfare bill. As a result, the welfare rates are decreasing, forcing citizens to make a change for the better on their own volition. Though some states have increased food stamps, they still cite monetary cuts.
I think that this is exactly the right step to happen with welfare. In the past, welfare has been the program to go to when you do not feel like doing anything on your own. While there are families who do truly need welfare, and do not take it for granted, and I understand that, the majority of those on welfare have the capabilities to make something for themselves. The stand that the states are taking by not making it easier on their respective constituents is sending a message that those who help themselves will be helped. This relates to the process of reforming and amending laws that is so crucial to a democratic government. As it was so clear, the current welfare program was not working. Either via polling, lobbyists, or direct observation, politicians realized the problem and sought a solution. It is this process that allows us as a nation to keep our laws and programs applicable and fair.
This article speaks directly to the effect of the Economy on Welfare. Primarily, regardless of the rising unemployment, the reformed welfare programs are indifferent. It states that of 12 states citing rapidly increasing unemployment, 8 have either cut welfare, or have remained the same. The main reasons that the states are remaining indifferent to the struggling economy is due to the clause in the reform bill that leaves the majority of the bill to the state itself. Though with that comes the ability to make state welfare laws, the state still has to pay a hefty welfare bill. As a result, the welfare rates are decreasing, forcing citizens to make a change for the better on their own volition. Though some states have increased food stamps, they still cite monetary cuts.
I think that this is exactly the right step to happen with welfare. In the past, welfare has been the program to go to when you do not feel like doing anything on your own. While there are families who do truly need welfare, and do not take it for granted, and I understand that, the majority of those on welfare have the capabilities to make something for themselves. The stand that the states are taking by not making it easier on their respective constituents is sending a message that those who help themselves will be helped. This relates to the process of reforming and amending laws that is so crucial to a democratic government. As it was so clear, the current welfare program was not working. Either via polling, lobbyists, or direct observation, politicians realized the problem and sought a solution. It is this process that allows us as a nation to keep our laws and programs applicable and fair.
Social Welfare/National Security- Logan Yingling
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2013/01/25/nra-members-strongly-oppose-new-gun-restrictions-poll-finds/
Summary:
This is an overview of the NRA's statistical standpoints, concerning gun laws. None of it is too surprising, however it states most of NRA members are in favor of background checks, and other regulatory laws when buying a gun, but they strongly oppose laws which put restrictions on the guns themselves, such as use of semi-automatic rifles, and small magazine capacity. President Obama used statistics from a survey from last May. Although good, it was taken before any of the recent shootings, and only was taken by NRA members. It was not intended to represent the general population's opinion. The article says 91% of NRA members disagree with President Obama's policy agenda concerning guns, and do not see much promise.
Reaction:
As a result of people having such strong opinions about guns, President Obama must react in a way which makes people happy and finds a solution. Because it is his second term I think he will push for a stronger (not as bipartisan)/ non-bipartisan policy, which will upset many people, but represent the opinions of the majority of Americans. I have not heard a lot about the GOP's opinion concerning gun laws, mostly Obama's and the NRA's. However I'd guess the GOP's would not be too dissimilar from the NRA's. I hope for laws which stop guns from being in the wrong hands, but still are allowed in the hands of those of us who are responsible.
Connection:
This article relates to our class because it is a series of statistics based off polls taken. Polls, which represent a certain population, and can affect the policy agenda and public opinion. Mass media ties into this because there have been many atrocious crimes committed with guns, but with the media bringing recent shootings to light the government must respond to what the population is being fed. Political parties are represented as the divides between ideologies. Lastly campaigning is relevant due to the fact that Obama's promises during the campaign included gun regulation.
Summary:
This is an overview of the NRA's statistical standpoints, concerning gun laws. None of it is too surprising, however it states most of NRA members are in favor of background checks, and other regulatory laws when buying a gun, but they strongly oppose laws which put restrictions on the guns themselves, such as use of semi-automatic rifles, and small magazine capacity. President Obama used statistics from a survey from last May. Although good, it was taken before any of the recent shootings, and only was taken by NRA members. It was not intended to represent the general population's opinion. The article says 91% of NRA members disagree with President Obama's policy agenda concerning guns, and do not see much promise.
Reaction:
As a result of people having such strong opinions about guns, President Obama must react in a way which makes people happy and finds a solution. Because it is his second term I think he will push for a stronger (not as bipartisan)/ non-bipartisan policy, which will upset many people, but represent the opinions of the majority of Americans. I have not heard a lot about the GOP's opinion concerning gun laws, mostly Obama's and the NRA's. However I'd guess the GOP's would not be too dissimilar from the NRA's. I hope for laws which stop guns from being in the wrong hands, but still are allowed in the hands of those of us who are responsible.
Connection:
This article relates to our class because it is a series of statistics based off polls taken. Polls, which represent a certain population, and can affect the policy agenda and public opinion. Mass media ties into this because there have been many atrocious crimes committed with guns, but with the media bringing recent shootings to light the government must respond to what the population is being fed. Political parties are represented as the divides between ideologies. Lastly campaigning is relevant due to the fact that Obama's promises during the campaign included gun regulation.
Health Care- Kranovich
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/27/health/religious-groups-and-employers-battle-contraception-mandate.html?ref=healthinsuranceandmanagedcare
This article is about the Afordable Care Act, and mainly about the provision to require employers to cover birth control in health plans. Federal courts have been flooded with cases over this by people saying that this goes against their faith. This is expected to get up to the supreme court. Some courts have said that birth control is a vital health need and have dismissed the case. Some institutions doon't have to do this if they are considered religious, but there are many places that employ people of other faiths that make them not eligible to do this. This is because defenders of this provision say that employers cannot impose their values on employees when it comes to health care.
My reaction to this is thatt employers should be free to choose to pay for birth control for employees if that choose to do so. Although birth control is considered part of health care, it is not the most important part of health care that we should be worrying about. I may be wrong but I'm pretty sure women can live without it and still be healthy so it shouldn't be worried about as much. The class connection to this article is that it goes with the first amendment cases we talked about, in that, religious institutins and businesses want to be able to practice their faith by not paying for birth control.
This article is about the Afordable Care Act, and mainly about the provision to require employers to cover birth control in health plans. Federal courts have been flooded with cases over this by people saying that this goes against their faith. This is expected to get up to the supreme court. Some courts have said that birth control is a vital health need and have dismissed the case. Some institutions doon't have to do this if they are considered religious, but there are many places that employ people of other faiths that make them not eligible to do this. This is because defenders of this provision say that employers cannot impose their values on employees when it comes to health care.
My reaction to this is thatt employers should be free to choose to pay for birth control for employees if that choose to do so. Although birth control is considered part of health care, it is not the most important part of health care that we should be worrying about. I may be wrong but I'm pretty sure women can live without it and still be healthy so it shouldn't be worried about as much. The class connection to this article is that it goes with the first amendment cases we talked about, in that, religious institutins and businesses want to be able to practice their faith by not paying for birth control.
Health Care Bryce Melton
http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Articles/2013/01/18/Medicare-Cracks-Down-on-14B-Hospice-Industry.aspx#page2
Hospice Buildings all around the country have spent over 14 billion dollars of tax payer money within the last year. Many hospice houses have given patients more time than necessary in the houses. For example, the San Diego Hospice House has been know to house a large number, anywhere from 60 to 100 patients that had much longer than six months to live, which is the requirement to live in the hospice houses. The government is now getting stricter on the rules on the hospice houses spending, and many patients have been let go from the houses until their time is up. Many Americans are also losing jobs from the budget cut, for example, the San Diego Hospice House had to cut over 30 percent of their staff to make requirements. However, many patients get caught in the situation of where they have become better, but not been let out of the hospice house, which the government also wants to keep a close eye on. Many hospice houses are not in it for the financial benefits, rather just the helping of the elderly, which the government does not seem to believe. Hospice houses were first made about 40 years ago to nurse only cancer patients. Hospice houses have no control over how much is spent on a patient, there are a variety of things they see, which all range in different price areas.
"That's one of my greater concerns," he said. "They don't receive the full benefit of hospice services."
Here they describe on how on other studies, the elderly sometimes only receive the full care paid for in the last week of their lives.
I believe that if this large amount of taxpayer money is spent on medicare, then the elderly should at least receive the care that we pay for. I am employed and I pay taxes myself, which is frustrating because it makes the not so big checks even smaller; so if I am going to pay this money, then it should be used correctly. I agree that patients should only be aloud the six months before death in the hospice, but in the case where a patient recovers, then they should be given a small amount of time to make sure of full improvement, and then let go. Some hospice houses take advantage of the money they receive, which is cruel and it should only be spent on making the elderly better. When I am old and in very bad conditions, I too would like to have somewhere to go to be taken care of so that I can live the end of my life as best as possible, with full care given.
National Security- Kaylie Barnett
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/jan/28/al-qaeda-gunmen-refuse-free-hostages-philippines/
Summary- This article is about how Al Qaeda gunmen have 7 people hostage in the Philippines. The government has been trying for 2 weeks to make negotiations with the men, but all attempts have failed. A spokesperson for the group have reported that they have no intentions of hurting their hostages. The government has been doing everything they can to win their freedoms but it's hard. They have been observing the maximum tolerance of the men and sticking to negotiations, for now. The U.S. military have backed missions for years to get rid of Abu Sayyaf, the primary leader.
Class Connection- I think there is something weird about this situation. For one, why are they in the Philippines with them? Two, why do they hold them hostage if they don't plan to hurt them or anything? I think they are either lying about their intentions or they are using them as blackmail. I don't think it's going to get very far with negotiating, considering they've been set in their ways the past two weeks. This relates to the class because our government and military are in on it and have been wanting to get rid of the man who is causing this problem today. For now, the government is peacefully negotiating the safety and return of the people. Our government and military are always coming up with news ways to ensure safety of people and our country.
Summary- This article is about how Al Qaeda gunmen have 7 people hostage in the Philippines. The government has been trying for 2 weeks to make negotiations with the men, but all attempts have failed. A spokesperson for the group have reported that they have no intentions of hurting their hostages. The government has been doing everything they can to win their freedoms but it's hard. They have been observing the maximum tolerance of the men and sticking to negotiations, for now. The U.S. military have backed missions for years to get rid of Abu Sayyaf, the primary leader.
Class Connection- I think there is something weird about this situation. For one, why are they in the Philippines with them? Two, why do they hold them hostage if they don't plan to hurt them or anything? I think they are either lying about their intentions or they are using them as blackmail. I don't think it's going to get very far with negotiating, considering they've been set in their ways the past two weeks. This relates to the class because our government and military are in on it and have been wanting to get rid of the man who is causing this problem today. For now, the government is peacefully negotiating the safety and return of the people. Our government and military are always coming up with news ways to ensure safety of people and our country.
Health Care-Stephanie Moore
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/19/business/medicare-cuts-how-deep-and-where.html?ref=healthcarereform&_r=0
Summary: This article is mainly about changes that are wanting to be made to Medicare and who it will affect. A major topic of debate that is ocurring is the debate about Medicare.It has been proposed to raise the age that Medicare coverage begins. Even President Obama has proposed a few ideas which make it more likely that those ideas will be adopted. The change to Medicare will mostly effect hospitals, specifically funds provided to the hospitals.
Connection and Reaction: I don't think this change should be made to Medicare. I do understand it would help with some costs but at the same time I don't think it's the right way to go. Medicare coverage would not be effective until later in life and it would take funds from hospitals that they definitely need. This connects to our course through a Policymaking System. The issue has come up on the policy agenda and now we are just trying to find a policy that everyone can agree on.
Summary: This article is mainly about changes that are wanting to be made to Medicare and who it will affect. A major topic of debate that is ocurring is the debate about Medicare.It has been proposed to raise the age that Medicare coverage begins. Even President Obama has proposed a few ideas which make it more likely that those ideas will be adopted. The change to Medicare will mostly effect hospitals, specifically funds provided to the hospitals.
Connection and Reaction: I don't think this change should be made to Medicare. I do understand it would help with some costs but at the same time I don't think it's the right way to go. Medicare coverage would not be effective until later in life and it would take funds from hospitals that they definitely need. This connects to our course through a Policymaking System. The issue has come up on the policy agenda and now we are just trying to find a policy that everyone can agree on.
National Security - Haley Zap
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/01/21/algeria-hostages-militants-gas-plant/1850707/
Just this past Wednesday, three Americans were killed in Algeria by an Islamic extremist group called Masked Brigade. The group took hostages from at least eight different countries in a BP gas plant in Algeria. What followed was a four-day standoff between the terrorists and the Algerian military. The terrorists claimed that they would attack any country that is providing military intervention in Mali to stop the advance of Islamic extremists.
Obviously this is just a growing threat to the United States. The terrorists had been preparing for the attack inside Algeria for nearly two months before it happened. Plus, the terrorists statement is a threat against our national security.
A class connection here is hard to find. But I could say that this was dealt with by the national government since they retain the power over foreign affairs. A state would not be allowed to intervene in this conflict.
Just this past Wednesday, three Americans were killed in Algeria by an Islamic extremist group called Masked Brigade. The group took hostages from at least eight different countries in a BP gas plant in Algeria. What followed was a four-day standoff between the terrorists and the Algerian military. The terrorists claimed that they would attack any country that is providing military intervention in Mali to stop the advance of Islamic extremists.
Obviously this is just a growing threat to the United States. The terrorists had been preparing for the attack inside Algeria for nearly two months before it happened. Plus, the terrorists statement is a threat against our national security.
A class connection here is hard to find. But I could say that this was dealt with by the national government since they retain the power over foreign affairs. A state would not be allowed to intervene in this conflict.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
national security Belcher
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-expands-aid-to-french-mission-in-mali/2013/01/26/3d56bb5c-6821-11e2-83c7-38d5fac94235_story.html
This article is about America now helping France with Mali's overthrough. The first question asked for this to happen was , is it legal to do this, but it is perfectly legal because Mali's govenrment seek Frances help and France sent a letter for the U.S' help. They orignally asked for just money but it is illegal for he U.S to send money to a leader who came to power by a coup.The U.S then went on to say that they would supply refueling that was more efficent and supply airplanes, to allied countries in Africa ,near by.
Response : I think that his is a good idea to help stop the spread of these terrorist group and to help Mali get their government back. I do not think that it was a good idea to lend airplanes to the African countries , even though they're allies, they might not always be. To put that in comparsion it would be like giving military advancements to Russia during WWII and before knowing they would turn on us in the Cold War. I also think that if we do get involved we need to stay involved and not leave like we did to iraq and ira during the cold war. When that area was a battle zone and the U.S and Russia were trying to make the goverment there to their idea and then they just left which caused the hatred of the U.S by el Qaede today. This also relates to class because we went over some of these when we started to talk about the government invovlement in these situations and it was nice to learn more in depth about this situation.
This article is about America now helping France with Mali's overthrough. The first question asked for this to happen was , is it legal to do this, but it is perfectly legal because Mali's govenrment seek Frances help and France sent a letter for the U.S' help. They orignally asked for just money but it is illegal for he U.S to send money to a leader who came to power by a coup.The U.S then went on to say that they would supply refueling that was more efficent and supply airplanes, to allied countries in Africa ,near by.
Response : I think that his is a good idea to help stop the spread of these terrorist group and to help Mali get their government back. I do not think that it was a good idea to lend airplanes to the African countries , even though they're allies, they might not always be. To put that in comparsion it would be like giving military advancements to Russia during WWII and before knowing they would turn on us in the Cold War. I also think that if we do get involved we need to stay involved and not leave like we did to iraq and ira during the cold war. When that area was a battle zone and the U.S and Russia were trying to make the goverment there to their idea and then they just left which caused the hatred of the U.S by el Qaede today. This also relates to class because we went over some of these when we started to talk about the government invovlement in these situations and it was nice to learn more in depth about this situation.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Heiderscheit- National Security
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/jan/21/us-algeria-we-knew-something-big-was-coming/
Summary: The article I'm covering, U.S. on Algeria: We knew ‘something big’ was coming, describes the U.S's reaction to the attack in Algeria last week. For four days around forty natural gas plant employees were held captive by el Qaeda terrorists. At this time the death count is around twenty four and many mor missing, but that's expected to rise. The crisis ended with the intervention of Algeria's military. Chairman of the House Intelligence Comittee, Mike Rogers, explained that threats had been coming in just as they had before the terrorist attack in Benghazi. However, the warnings were vague, and the attacks occuring in Algeria were not expected.
Reaction: Before I read this article I already knew about this attack and of course the Benghazi attack before it. It really really sucks that stuff like this is happening to innocent people at the hands of terrorists. Another unsettling part about this article is that it mentions that the event caused great celebration among those who were part of it. Not only because they satisfied their original objective, but because this event is said to raise their recruit level and will mean there will be even more people aiming to hurt innocent people walking around. That's pretty scary to think about. This article definitely relates to our class. One of our government's many jobs is to protect us to the best of it's ability. Today, our government aims to protect the U.S. people from a more recent threat, terrorists.
Summary: The article I'm covering, U.S. on Algeria: We knew ‘something big’ was coming, describes the U.S's reaction to the attack in Algeria last week. For four days around forty natural gas plant employees were held captive by el Qaeda terrorists. At this time the death count is around twenty four and many mor missing, but that's expected to rise. The crisis ended with the intervention of Algeria's military. Chairman of the House Intelligence Comittee, Mike Rogers, explained that threats had been coming in just as they had before the terrorist attack in Benghazi. However, the warnings were vague, and the attacks occuring in Algeria were not expected.
Reaction: Before I read this article I already knew about this attack and of course the Benghazi attack before it. It really really sucks that stuff like this is happening to innocent people at the hands of terrorists. Another unsettling part about this article is that it mentions that the event caused great celebration among those who were part of it. Not only because they satisfied their original objective, but because this event is said to raise their recruit level and will mean there will be even more people aiming to hurt innocent people walking around. That's pretty scary to think about. This article definitely relates to our class. One of our government's many jobs is to protect us to the best of it's ability. Today, our government aims to protect the U.S. people from a more recent threat, terrorists.
Health care and Environment Midey
Www.nytimes.com/2013/01/22/us/politics/climate-change-prominent-in-obamas-inaugural-address.html
Sumary- This articl is about how president Barack obama's inaugural speech addressed the climate chang end how he views it as a more prominent issue in his next term. Democrats think he will have a more aggressive campaign in the agenda of this topic. Obama said in his speech that failuer to responding to this threat of climate change will betray out chilren and future generations. He hopes to avoid fights with congress this tie and figure out what they can do to reduce emissions. The environmental protection agency is going to place better regulations. With the new rules,emissions could be reduced by 25% by 2020. That would have huge health benefits. the pentagon and the White House administration are two of the highest energy users and they are taking steps to cut down on usage. Conservatives argue against making changes to anything claiming it will cut jobs. Obama still thinks the effort would have economic benefits by having a cleaner industry.
Reaction- I think that the president making this a more important topic is a good thing. If we don't take steps to improve the air, global warming is just going to get worse and our health could go down because of it. Even though congress and the conservatices are against changes Obama should still try because of the benefits that could come out of it with emissions going down. Also, it would be worth the money because it will affect the whole world too not just the U.S. This connects to the classs because the plans put in by Obama are going to affect everyon. Hopefully it will affect everyone in a positive way and slow down the change. Also Obama and congress differ in opinions so the two branchees are probably going veto each others ideas.
Sumary- This articl is about how president Barack obama's inaugural speech addressed the climate chang end how he views it as a more prominent issue in his next term. Democrats think he will have a more aggressive campaign in the agenda of this topic. Obama said in his speech that failuer to responding to this threat of climate change will betray out chilren and future generations. He hopes to avoid fights with congress this tie and figure out what they can do to reduce emissions. The environmental protection agency is going to place better regulations. With the new rules,emissions could be reduced by 25% by 2020. That would have huge health benefits. the pentagon and the White House administration are two of the highest energy users and they are taking steps to cut down on usage. Conservatives argue against making changes to anything claiming it will cut jobs. Obama still thinks the effort would have economic benefits by having a cleaner industry.
Reaction- I think that the president making this a more important topic is a good thing. If we don't take steps to improve the air, global warming is just going to get worse and our health could go down because of it. Even though congress and the conservatices are against changes Obama should still try because of the benefits that could come out of it with emissions going down. Also, it would be worth the money because it will affect the whole world too not just the U.S. This connects to the classs because the plans put in by Obama are going to affect everyon. Hopefully it will affect everyone in a positive way and slow down the change. Also Obama and congress differ in opinions so the two branchees are probably going veto each others ideas.
social welfare-Robinson
http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/21/opinion/spalding-welfare-state-dependency/index.html
summary: For most of Ameican history the average shop owner or farmer did not get any money benefit from the government, but over time that has all changed. Last year it has been reported the 49% of the population lives in a household were at least one person get some sort of benefit from the government. It has also been reported that 67.3 million of Americans received at least one of the benefits amung the temporary assistance for needy familys, social security, support for higher education and other benefits. all of these used to be considered to be the responsibility of individuals, families, churches, and other community help. the problem here isnt that the government is growing a culture in which it has the people dependent on the government. for us this is an dangerous trend. the U.S. thrives because the culter were people go out and find jobs for themselfs and don't need government handouts.
reaction/connection: my reaction to this is that the needy people should get help from the goverment. but people who don't need the money to make ends meet shouldnt have it because all they are doing is making Americas money problem a little harder to handle with. I think we should be a little dependent on the government but not to much. its like with your mom and dad. you want them to be involed with your life and do stuff with you but you dont always need/want them around. they are just there to help you when you fall back. thats how the people and the government should work here in the united states. the connection here is that this article is more on the conservative side. they want you to slowly but surely stop getting help from the government and provide for your family with your own money. they are saying that it is more of a threat to america if you dependent of the government for money. i can see where they are coming from but some people dont make enouph money while they still have a job but just dont get paid well. i feel that people need to understand this because they do need benefits from the government.
summary: For most of Ameican history the average shop owner or farmer did not get any money benefit from the government, but over time that has all changed. Last year it has been reported the 49% of the population lives in a household were at least one person get some sort of benefit from the government. It has also been reported that 67.3 million of Americans received at least one of the benefits amung the temporary assistance for needy familys, social security, support for higher education and other benefits. all of these used to be considered to be the responsibility of individuals, families, churches, and other community help. the problem here isnt that the government is growing a culture in which it has the people dependent on the government. for us this is an dangerous trend. the U.S. thrives because the culter were people go out and find jobs for themselfs and don't need government handouts.
reaction/connection: my reaction to this is that the needy people should get help from the goverment. but people who don't need the money to make ends meet shouldnt have it because all they are doing is making Americas money problem a little harder to handle with. I think we should be a little dependent on the government but not to much. its like with your mom and dad. you want them to be involed with your life and do stuff with you but you dont always need/want them around. they are just there to help you when you fall back. thats how the people and the government should work here in the united states. the connection here is that this article is more on the conservative side. they want you to slowly but surely stop getting help from the government and provide for your family with your own money. they are saying that it is more of a threat to america if you dependent of the government for money. i can see where they are coming from but some people dont make enouph money while they still have a job but just dont get paid well. i feel that people need to understand this because they do need benefits from the government.
Social Welfare Isaac Frantz
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-08-26/news/ct-oped-0826-chapman-20120826_1_welfare-reform-work-requirements-welfare-check
In this article, it really points out the problems that welfare, in its current state, has. It talks about how you do not need to be working to receive welfare. The articals mentions how the federal government can work to reform welfare so that iis availabe to thoseethat actuallyy need it but keeps able-people from relying on it. The reforms that were mentioned were very expensive and labor intensive and would probably not be passed by the federal government.
This article shows that the welfare program in our country really needs to be reformed. The article mentions that in some states it as cosiderdes a "job" to be a "smoking cessation" or to "help a friend or relative with errands and household tasks." These are obviously not justifiable occupations, although quitting smoking is noteworthy and should be applauded, they should not claims to government support. This relates to our class because it talks about how the federal government can make broad guildlines, it is up to the states to fill in the gaps where they see fit, which is the "marble cake" federslism we discussed in class. It also relates back to money, which is a driving force in politics.
In this article, it really points out the problems that welfare, in its current state, has. It talks about how you do not need to be working to receive welfare. The articals mentions how the federal government can work to reform welfare so that iis availabe to thoseethat actuallyy need it but keeps able-people from relying on it. The reforms that were mentioned were very expensive and labor intensive and would probably not be passed by the federal government.
This article shows that the welfare program in our country really needs to be reformed. The article mentions that in some states it as cosiderdes a "job" to be a "smoking cessation" or to "help a friend or relative with errands and household tasks." These are obviously not justifiable occupations, although quitting smoking is noteworthy and should be applauded, they should not claims to government support. This relates to our class because it talks about how the federal government can make broad guildlines, it is up to the states to fill in the gaps where they see fit, which is the "marble cake" federslism we discussed in class. It also relates back to money, which is a driving force in politics.
Economics- Seaba
http://news.morningstar.com/articlenet/article.aspx?id=581616
Summary: Housing prices jumped more than 7%, a recovery high. Inflation stayed tame, and retail sales did not have a disasterous holiday season as predicted. Unimployment claims at a recovery low, but seasonal factors show a bit of tailwind. Even Congress seemed more cooperative on debt ceiling issues. The rain on this week's parade of economic news is more dreamliner problems at Boeing. After growing 3.1% during third-quarter, fourth-quarter growth was about 1.5%. The fourth-quarter "Slow down" is related to the ups and downs in government defense spending, soy bean shipments, and auto idustry seasonal shifts. Hurricane Sandy isn't helping matters.
Reaction: I think it is good to hear that the economy is improving little by little. Even if we have some "Slow Down" times the over all picture is improving. This connects to class because the ups and downs in GOVERNMENT defense spending is related to the "Slow down" in economy.
Summary: Housing prices jumped more than 7%, a recovery high. Inflation stayed tame, and retail sales did not have a disasterous holiday season as predicted. Unimployment claims at a recovery low, but seasonal factors show a bit of tailwind. Even Congress seemed more cooperative on debt ceiling issues. The rain on this week's parade of economic news is more dreamliner problems at Boeing. After growing 3.1% during third-quarter, fourth-quarter growth was about 1.5%. The fourth-quarter "Slow down" is related to the ups and downs in government defense spending, soy bean shipments, and auto idustry seasonal shifts. Hurricane Sandy isn't helping matters.
Reaction: I think it is good to hear that the economy is improving little by little. Even if we have some "Slow Down" times the over all picture is improving. This connects to class because the ups and downs in GOVERNMENT defense spending is related to the "Slow down" in economy.
Monday, January 21, 2013
National Security - Taylor Amey
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/19/tsa-x-ray-scanners_n_2511947.html
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced last week that they plan to remove their controversial x-ray body scanners from airports by June of this year. The reason for this is that the manufacturer that provides the TSA with these machines are not able to come up with a solution to the privacy issues with the machines. However, the generic body scanners that only produce an outline of an individual are staying inside American airports. The TSA defended the original scanners saying that the images couldn't be saved of passengers appearing nude. However, Congress and the public were concerned and they placed a referendum on the TSA; either fix the privacy issue or remove them by June 2013. The controversy involved with these machines is that people were claiming it intruded on their 4th Amendment rights on a search with probable cause because of the machines producing a nude image of the individual on a screen that some TSA agents were accused of saving or taking pictures of with their phones. This scanners were placed inside airports a couple years ago after a terrorist attempted to blow up a plane in Amsterdam headed for Detroit with a bomb inside his underwear that metal detectors never detected.
I'm actually glad that this is happening. I'm all for changes of national security as times change with the socio-historic context of the United States but I did feel like these machines did have the potential of major rights violations. Most of the time when I go through the airport, I opt out and get the pat down. Merely, it's a choice between radiation (because of the x-ray and the rumored high radiation levels) or molestation (the TSA agent going inside your pant line). I don't want random 30, 40 year olds seeing outlines of other people's private area. This links with the government because the TSA is a federal agency associated with the Department of Homeland Security, which is the United States' agency of protecting our nation from terrorists and other threats that are potentially deadly towards our citizens.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced last week that they plan to remove their controversial x-ray body scanners from airports by June of this year. The reason for this is that the manufacturer that provides the TSA with these machines are not able to come up with a solution to the privacy issues with the machines. However, the generic body scanners that only produce an outline of an individual are staying inside American airports. The TSA defended the original scanners saying that the images couldn't be saved of passengers appearing nude. However, Congress and the public were concerned and they placed a referendum on the TSA; either fix the privacy issue or remove them by June 2013. The controversy involved with these machines is that people were claiming it intruded on their 4th Amendment rights on a search with probable cause because of the machines producing a nude image of the individual on a screen that some TSA agents were accused of saving or taking pictures of with their phones. This scanners were placed inside airports a couple years ago after a terrorist attempted to blow up a plane in Amsterdam headed for Detroit with a bomb inside his underwear that metal detectors never detected.
I'm actually glad that this is happening. I'm all for changes of national security as times change with the socio-historic context of the United States but I did feel like these machines did have the potential of major rights violations. Most of the time when I go through the airport, I opt out and get the pat down. Merely, it's a choice between radiation (because of the x-ray and the rumored high radiation levels) or molestation (the TSA agent going inside your pant line). I don't want random 30, 40 year olds seeing outlines of other people's private area. This links with the government because the TSA is a federal agency associated with the Department of Homeland Security, which is the United States' agency of protecting our nation from terrorists and other threats that are potentially deadly towards our citizens.
Social Welfare -- Hale
http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2012/09/an-overview-of-obama-s-end-run-on-welfare-reform
This article makes some key comparisons between the 1996 reform of welfare, and the current reform. One of the main ideas is the success of the 1996 reform, citing results of half the previous caseloads and significantly lowering costs. However, the question being raised by the article is what happened, and what does Obama need to do to fix it?
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has stepped in since and asked for multiple things, including lowering work requirements and broadening the definition of "work activities." This concept applies directly to the idea of pluralism within government policy making. The HHS is an example of an interest group that has influence on the government. Ideally, the HHS is getting it's voice heard, and bipartisan compromise is being made within Congress. Personally, I disagree with the HHS' plan. I think that there cannot be any positive outcome for loosening the requirements to garner access to welfare. This will only decrease the motivation to work and sustain for yourself. This mindset is particularly detrimental, not only to one's own self, but also to the Government, because spending will go through the roof with a larger welfare burden, especially in such tough economic times.
The article continues to explain that the only way to fix the issues that have arisen since 1996 is going to be to "restore and expand work requirements." Recent polls say that 95% of Americans think that one should have to work for his welfare. Right now there are over 80 welfare programs, only 3 of which have work requirements. The call for reform links specifically to the policy agenda, interest groups, and polling. The interest groups who are calling for reform are adamant about their claim and are willing to get it to the top of the policy agenda. From there it can be debated and a compromise can be made. Further, one of the key ways that the politicians hear about what the public wants done is through polling. The statistic given by the Heritage Foundation is that nearly all of America sees a need for stricter work requirements. I completely agree with the poll's results, as the saying goes, help those who help themselves. One cannot just expect to receive handouts if they are not showing any intention to try to get themselves out of unemployment. Only with stricter work requirements can the government begin to decrease the current $927 billion welfare ticket.
This article makes some key comparisons between the 1996 reform of welfare, and the current reform. One of the main ideas is the success of the 1996 reform, citing results of half the previous caseloads and significantly lowering costs. However, the question being raised by the article is what happened, and what does Obama need to do to fix it?
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has stepped in since and asked for multiple things, including lowering work requirements and broadening the definition of "work activities." This concept applies directly to the idea of pluralism within government policy making. The HHS is an example of an interest group that has influence on the government. Ideally, the HHS is getting it's voice heard, and bipartisan compromise is being made within Congress. Personally, I disagree with the HHS' plan. I think that there cannot be any positive outcome for loosening the requirements to garner access to welfare. This will only decrease the motivation to work and sustain for yourself. This mindset is particularly detrimental, not only to one's own self, but also to the Government, because spending will go through the roof with a larger welfare burden, especially in such tough economic times.
The article continues to explain that the only way to fix the issues that have arisen since 1996 is going to be to "restore and expand work requirements." Recent polls say that 95% of Americans think that one should have to work for his welfare. Right now there are over 80 welfare programs, only 3 of which have work requirements. The call for reform links specifically to the policy agenda, interest groups, and polling. The interest groups who are calling for reform are adamant about their claim and are willing to get it to the top of the policy agenda. From there it can be debated and a compromise can be made. Further, one of the key ways that the politicians hear about what the public wants done is through polling. The statistic given by the Heritage Foundation is that nearly all of America sees a need for stricter work requirements. I completely agree with the poll's results, as the saying goes, help those who help themselves. One cannot just expect to receive handouts if they are not showing any intention to try to get themselves out of unemployment. Only with stricter work requirements can the government begin to decrease the current $927 billion welfare ticket.
burroughs economics
http://money.cnn.com/2013/01/21/news/economy/obama-taxes/index.html?iid=Lead
In this article it compared Obama's tax plans to the plans of Bush and Reagan mentioned in their inauguration. Bush and Reagan both mentioned their tax plans in their inauguration and promised to bring change in the tax to diminish debt. Obama continued this tactic in his inauguration by promising to continue his plan to cut tax breaks, raise taxes for wealthier americans, and close loopholes in the tax system. Obama though seems to have a lot harder of a problem to deal with because a lack of help that lets say Reagan had.
I really like the idea of that Obama is trying to fix the national debt by almost any way he can. I think there are people out there that cheat the system and contributes to part of the debt we are in so think it is very good idea. I think though that there can be other ways like cutting their own paychecks a bit also instead of cutting everyone else's. Some his ideas seem pretty good but I do not think that raising the taxes is very high on that list.
In this article it compared Obama's tax plans to the plans of Bush and Reagan mentioned in their inauguration. Bush and Reagan both mentioned their tax plans in their inauguration and promised to bring change in the tax to diminish debt. Obama continued this tactic in his inauguration by promising to continue his plan to cut tax breaks, raise taxes for wealthier americans, and close loopholes in the tax system. Obama though seems to have a lot harder of a problem to deal with because a lack of help that lets say Reagan had.
I really like the idea of that Obama is trying to fix the national debt by almost any way he can. I think there are people out there that cheat the system and contributes to part of the debt we are in so think it is very good idea. I think though that there can be other ways like cutting their own paychecks a bit also instead of cutting everyone else's. Some his ideas seem pretty good but I do not think that raising the taxes is very high on that list.
National Security- Kaylie Barnett
http://articles.latimes.com/2012/jun/10/news/la-pn-new-york-times-journalist-defends-national-security-leaks-20120610
Summary- David Sanger, chief Washington correspondent for the New York Times, leaked information that exposed the U.S. involvement in cyber attacks against Iran and a secret 'Kill List'. Senator John McCain wanted a special prosecutor to take charge of investigations about the leaks. Sanger defended himself saying that he worked on his book for 18 months and obtained info "from the ground up". He doubted there was any political motivations behind the leaks. His book was about how Obama conducted himself with international military actions and he said that the info is important for America to know and the media needs to report on it. McCain said that the only way for Sanger to obtain the info was through the administration. He claimed that Obama is responsible for it as commander in chief, even if he didn't do it himself.
Class Connection- I disagree with what McCain said completely. Yes, I don't think the leaks should have happened if it was confidential things; the public needs to know some things but not the confidential things. There should be consequences taken on Sanger for what he did because there were other ways to go about it. However, I don't think Obama should take full responsibility for what happened just because he's the president. There are other people that know confidential things and they could have leaked the info, not the president. I think whoever leaked it did have political motivation because why would they give out confidential info just out of the blue? I don't think they would. Also, I'm curious why it's John McCain involved in this. What does he have to do with it and why is he the one pulling for investigations? This connects to the class because right now we're learning about the media and how they try to uncover info and tries to get out whatever they can and years ago, this never would have happened; the media respected the administration too much.
Summary- David Sanger, chief Washington correspondent for the New York Times, leaked information that exposed the U.S. involvement in cyber attacks against Iran and a secret 'Kill List'. Senator John McCain wanted a special prosecutor to take charge of investigations about the leaks. Sanger defended himself saying that he worked on his book for 18 months and obtained info "from the ground up". He doubted there was any political motivations behind the leaks. His book was about how Obama conducted himself with international military actions and he said that the info is important for America to know and the media needs to report on it. McCain said that the only way for Sanger to obtain the info was through the administration. He claimed that Obama is responsible for it as commander in chief, even if he didn't do it himself.
Class Connection- I disagree with what McCain said completely. Yes, I don't think the leaks should have happened if it was confidential things; the public needs to know some things but not the confidential things. There should be consequences taken on Sanger for what he did because there were other ways to go about it. However, I don't think Obama should take full responsibility for what happened just because he's the president. There are other people that know confidential things and they could have leaked the info, not the president. I think whoever leaked it did have political motivation because why would they give out confidential info just out of the blue? I don't think they would. Also, I'm curious why it's John McCain involved in this. What does he have to do with it and why is he the one pulling for investigations? This connects to the class because right now we're learning about the media and how they try to uncover info and tries to get out whatever they can and years ago, this never would have happened; the media respected the administration too much.
Health Care-Stephanie Moore
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/health/diseasesconditionsandhealthtopics/health_insurance_and_managed_car/health_care_reform/index.html
Summary: This article is mainly about Obama passing the Affordable Care Act and the effects it has had. The bill was one of the first bigger things Obama did in office and maybe on of the more controversial too. The bill hopes to extend insurance to more people primarily though medicaid. It provides incetives for providers that bundle packages rather than offering them individually. The bill has passed through many courts with mainly Republicans trying to appeal the bill.
Course Connection and Reaction: This article is similar to the Litigant Epitaphs we have been working on. When trying to appeal the bill the question presented to the Supreme Court was if congress had the consitutional power to require people to buy insurance and give a penalty if they do not. Also the vote was five to four which we learned means it could reappear later on because it was not a unanimous decision. I personally think the Affordable Care Act is a good idea. I do understand the worries that people have but I think that this will help more than it would hurt. It prohibits insurance companies from denying basic coverage on pre-existing conditions. I think this act is a good thing for the U.S.
Social Welfare
http://www.lao.ca.gov/reports/2012/ssrv/saws/saws-021312.aspx
SUMMARY: California's Statewide Automated Welfare System (SAWS) is made up of multiple systems which support such functions as eligibility and benefit determination, enrollment, and case maintenance at the county level for some of the state's major health and human services programs (including Medi–Cal, California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids [CalWORKs], and CalFresh). These automation systems have been a sizable financial commitment for the state, taking multiple years and hundreds of millions of state and federal dollars to develop and maintain. Over the years, the Legislature has consolidated the total number of SAWS systems, reducing the state's financial burden of maintaining multiple systems and also assisting in standardizing the eligibility determination processes of the state's health and human services operations.
Reaction: I think California's SAWS is a great idea and supports many people in any way they can. There are lots of people in need and many shelters and places to get help from. But they are looking into closing some of the SAWS down to help out with costs and financial crumbles that come along with the systems. Most recently, the Legislature enacted Chapter 13, Statutes of 2011 (ABX1 16, Blumenfield), which will decrease the number of SAWS systems to two. Additionally, this legislation specifies that the reduction will occur by moving 39 counties from an existing system to Los Angeles County's new replacement system. The new replacement system is a great place for all the people being brought into our country but how will costs change if all these people being brought into them? Won't it just add more money onto the tab?
SUMMARY: California's Statewide Automated Welfare System (SAWS) is made up of multiple systems which support such functions as eligibility and benefit determination, enrollment, and case maintenance at the county level for some of the state's major health and human services programs (including Medi–Cal, California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids [CalWORKs], and CalFresh). These automation systems have been a sizable financial commitment for the state, taking multiple years and hundreds of millions of state and federal dollars to develop and maintain. Over the years, the Legislature has consolidated the total number of SAWS systems, reducing the state's financial burden of maintaining multiple systems and also assisting in standardizing the eligibility determination processes of the state's health and human services operations.
Reaction: I think California's SAWS is a great idea and supports many people in any way they can. There are lots of people in need and many shelters and places to get help from. But they are looking into closing some of the SAWS down to help out with costs and financial crumbles that come along with the systems. Most recently, the Legislature enacted Chapter 13, Statutes of 2011 (ABX1 16, Blumenfield), which will decrease the number of SAWS systems to two. Additionally, this legislation specifies that the reduction will occur by moving 39 counties from an existing system to Los Angeles County's new replacement system. The new replacement system is a great place for all the people being brought into our country but how will costs change if all these people being brought into them? Won't it just add more money onto the tab?
Social Welfare- Kranovich
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-08-26/news/ct-oped-0826-chapman-20120826_1_welfare-reform-work-requirements-welfare-check
In this article the author explains how welfare system in this country is going downhill and that the president needs to do something about it. The author says that the revision that Obama wants, if passed, will cripple the work requirement of the welfare program. Ron Haskins, a Brookings Institution analyst, said that if the administration "wanted to undermine the work requirement", "the new policy is a way to do it." Some others also wonder if Obama does, in fact, believe in work reqirements for welfare then why does he write so broad about it. Another thing that makes Obama's revision not a good idea is that states can not be trusted to be as tough about work requirements if given more power. Our welfare system in this country needs to be reformed so we can strengthen our country.
In my opinion our welfare system needs to be reformed big time. In our times there are many people who are out of work and on welfare so we need to make requirements for these people to get jobs so they don't end up abusing the system. Also giving more power to the states so they can handle it is not a good idea. This brings me to the class connection which would be devolution, or giving the states more power. If we do start to give the states more power over welfare they will not be as willing to make work requirements because they want to be liked. This country would be much better off if we could reform our welfare system.
In this article the author explains how welfare system in this country is going downhill and that the president needs to do something about it. The author says that the revision that Obama wants, if passed, will cripple the work requirement of the welfare program. Ron Haskins, a Brookings Institution analyst, said that if the administration "wanted to undermine the work requirement", "the new policy is a way to do it." Some others also wonder if Obama does, in fact, believe in work reqirements for welfare then why does he write so broad about it. Another thing that makes Obama's revision not a good idea is that states can not be trusted to be as tough about work requirements if given more power. Our welfare system in this country needs to be reformed so we can strengthen our country.
In my opinion our welfare system needs to be reformed big time. In our times there are many people who are out of work and on welfare so we need to make requirements for these people to get jobs so they don't end up abusing the system. Also giving more power to the states so they can handle it is not a good idea. This brings me to the class connection which would be devolution, or giving the states more power. If we do start to give the states more power over welfare they will not be as willing to make work requirements because they want to be liked. This country would be much better off if we could reform our welfare system.
Health Care Belcher
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/01/18/can-oregon-save-american-health-care/
In the first half of the article it talks about how Oregon may have found a solution to the medicaid and healthcare debt.The state at the time was $2billion in the hole and the program was starting to get to a point where it couldnt get better. Then the governor asked for $1.9 billion over the next five years to help bail out medicaid. He had the idea of turning it into something like a house or car payment the money would come in a little at a time and if they couldnt pay it back it would be taken away. If the program continues on the track its on now they will start to get postive returns and generate $11billion dollars in savings over the next decade. It also says that with this new program they can enroll 400,000 more people.
Responce: I think the idea of risking to funds from the government on just an idea was really risky. If people look at it though they can see the risk really pays off. I also believe this is what states should start doing to get ahead . This idea of putting the funds on the line i think gets the local/state government to start working under pressure which sometimes helps people work better and smarter. I also like that they can get the medicaid out to more people which is nice for those people who need it. This relates to class when we talked about grants, this idea is a kind of Match Grant because in order to get the money they state has to return about the equal amount. Or to get the money they have to give some money.
In the first half of the article it talks about how Oregon may have found a solution to the medicaid and healthcare debt.The state at the time was $2billion in the hole and the program was starting to get to a point where it couldnt get better. Then the governor asked for $1.9 billion over the next five years to help bail out medicaid. He had the idea of turning it into something like a house or car payment the money would come in a little at a time and if they couldnt pay it back it would be taken away. If the program continues on the track its on now they will start to get postive returns and generate $11billion dollars in savings over the next decade. It also says that with this new program they can enroll 400,000 more people.
Responce: I think the idea of risking to funds from the government on just an idea was really risky. If people look at it though they can see the risk really pays off. I also believe this is what states should start doing to get ahead . This idea of putting the funds on the line i think gets the local/state government to start working under pressure which sometimes helps people work better and smarter. I also like that they can get the medicaid out to more people which is nice for those people who need it. This relates to class when we talked about grants, this idea is a kind of Match Grant because in order to get the money they state has to return about the equal amount. Or to get the money they have to give some money.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Social Welfare Bryce Melton
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/11/opinion/americas-ineffective-antipoverty-effort.html?ref=welfareus
Summary: Biden and Ryan met in a vice president only debate that was mostly about lifting up the national debt. Taxpayers spend one trillion a year on trying to help out the needy and poor, but it isn't really working. There are 126 federal programs to help the poor come out of their low times, which is still not working very well. One fourth of the money is spent towards medicaid. Many families abuse the system and earn money and continue to still not go and work and abuse the system again. Mr. Ryan is proposing to change the system to block grants for each state. There must be room for flexibility in the system but it must become more strict. Outcomes will be sought out rather than the inputs put in on the system. Reaction: The social welfare program we do have in place does have too many loopholes and cracks and could use changes. Mr. Ryans plans for block grants for each state will make people more self reliable and less dependent on the taxpayers money. Giving these families less money to blow will make them more motivated to have the extra money and go out and get a job and get on their own feet. Flexibility is needed in the system just for certain people and occasions. Many families will still need the money, which will be provided; however, more things need to be changed so that families stop abusing the system. The government should consider putting in block grants for states to help lift the national debt.
Summary: Biden and Ryan met in a vice president only debate that was mostly about lifting up the national debt. Taxpayers spend one trillion a year on trying to help out the needy and poor, but it isn't really working. There are 126 federal programs to help the poor come out of their low times, which is still not working very well. One fourth of the money is spent towards medicaid. Many families abuse the system and earn money and continue to still not go and work and abuse the system again. Mr. Ryan is proposing to change the system to block grants for each state. There must be room for flexibility in the system but it must become more strict. Outcomes will be sought out rather than the inputs put in on the system. Reaction: The social welfare program we do have in place does have too many loopholes and cracks and could use changes. Mr. Ryans plans for block grants for each state will make people more self reliable and less dependent on the taxpayers money. Giving these families less money to blow will make them more motivated to have the extra money and go out and get a job and get on their own feet. Flexibility is needed in the system just for certain people and occasions. Many families will still need the money, which will be provided; however, more things need to be changed so that families stop abusing the system. The government should consider putting in block grants for states to help lift the national debt.
economics burroughs
http://money.cnn.com/2013/01/15/news/economy/federal-reserve-stimulus/index.html?iid=SF_E_Lead
In this article a Federal Reserve official brought up the idea to lower the unemployment goal to 5.5percent rather than 6.6 percent. Naraynna Kocherlakota is a president of the Federal Reserve bank of minneapolis and he thinks the Fed just is not doing enough. He believes by doing so the inflation rate will stay below the 2.5percent which is within the Fed's current thresholds. There shows no current signs that the percentage will even change as it is until at least 2015. There are presidents on both sides of this story keeping in mind that all 12 spots are up for election each year.
The class connection to this article consists of the fact that the 12 presidential spots are up for election in the federal planning association of Minnesota. I think they will kind of use this issue to run a campaign on. My reaction is that I totally agree with Kocherlakota's theory to lower unemployment rates. I think it is a great issue and I think the Fed should look into it heavily.
In this article a Federal Reserve official brought up the idea to lower the unemployment goal to 5.5percent rather than 6.6 percent. Naraynna Kocherlakota is a president of the Federal Reserve bank of minneapolis and he thinks the Fed just is not doing enough. He believes by doing so the inflation rate will stay below the 2.5percent which is within the Fed's current thresholds. There shows no current signs that the percentage will even change as it is until at least 2015. There are presidents on both sides of this story keeping in mind that all 12 spots are up for election each year.
The class connection to this article consists of the fact that the 12 presidential spots are up for election in the federal planning association of Minnesota. I think they will kind of use this issue to run a campaign on. My reaction is that I totally agree with Kocherlakota's theory to lower unemployment rates. I think it is a great issue and I think the Fed should look into it heavily.
National Security - Haley Zap
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/01/15/study-finds-corruption-on-rise-among-border-agents-rep-says-security-at-risk/
This article discusses the issue in the recent rise of corruption cases with US border agents. Border agents are the people that work to ensure that the US border remains safe and secure. Obviously, corruption with these workers threatens national security because the border agents could be allowing unsafe peoples or materials into the country. The article discusses the findings that "nearly 150 have been arrested or indicted since 2005." These are 150 instances where national security has been threatened and many of these instances could have been easily prevented if the government took the steps necessary to ensure that the border agents have integrity.
The corruption discussed in this article worries me because it could have huge consequences on our nation. It is possible that the agents may only (only might be a bad word to choose here because these are very serious things still) be allowing in illegal immigrants or substances, but what could they possibly be allowing in next? Terrorists maybe? The article says that Islamic extremists have recently been found to have been working with the Mexican drug leaders. I think some of the problem here could be solved if the US had a more thorough background check of the people they hire and then CONTINUE to check in with these people. Many of these workers have succumbed to the offers of large sums of money for their illegal services.
The border agents are under the control of the Department of Homeland Security. After 9/11 national security became a major issue. One month after the attack, the Senate proposed the creation of Department of Homeland Security. The Bush administration rejected the idea, but Democratic members of the Senate continued to press it. Finally, in June 2002, more than seven months after the initial proposal, President Bush reversed his stand. The act called for pulling together various federal agencies and offices. This relates to class because we learned about how policies are changed or created. The creation of DHS became important to the public after 9/11, was discussed by the media, which attracted the attention of policy makers and put it on the policy agenda, then it moved to the policy making institutions when it was introduced in Senate, and finally the new policy was made and affected the people by making them feel safer.
This article discusses the issue in the recent rise of corruption cases with US border agents. Border agents are the people that work to ensure that the US border remains safe and secure. Obviously, corruption with these workers threatens national security because the border agents could be allowing unsafe peoples or materials into the country. The article discusses the findings that "nearly 150 have been arrested or indicted since 2005." These are 150 instances where national security has been threatened and many of these instances could have been easily prevented if the government took the steps necessary to ensure that the border agents have integrity.
The corruption discussed in this article worries me because it could have huge consequences on our nation. It is possible that the agents may only (only might be a bad word to choose here because these are very serious things still) be allowing in illegal immigrants or substances, but what could they possibly be allowing in next? Terrorists maybe? The article says that Islamic extremists have recently been found to have been working with the Mexican drug leaders. I think some of the problem here could be solved if the US had a more thorough background check of the people they hire and then CONTINUE to check in with these people. Many of these workers have succumbed to the offers of large sums of money for their illegal services.
The border agents are under the control of the Department of Homeland Security. After 9/11 national security became a major issue. One month after the attack, the Senate proposed the creation of Department of Homeland Security. The Bush administration rejected the idea, but Democratic members of the Senate continued to press it. Finally, in June 2002, more than seven months after the initial proposal, President Bush reversed his stand. The act called for pulling together various federal agencies and offices. This relates to class because we learned about how policies are changed or created. The creation of DHS became important to the public after 9/11, was discussed by the media, which attracted the attention of policy makers and put it on the policy agenda, then it moved to the policy making institutions when it was introduced in Senate, and finally the new policy was made and affected the people by making them feel safer.
Social Welfare-Stephanie Moore
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/01/01/india-to-hand-money-directly-to-poor-in-new-welfare-system/
Summary:This article is basically about a new program being implemented in India. The government is directly sendig money to the poor as a new system for social welfare. The problems that initiated the change were that their previous system was so corrupt. Officials would only give a portion of the money if they didn't take all of it. The article also describes the problems that are already apparent with the new social welfare system. An example of one of the problems was something like the fact that the nearest bank for some people are a days' trip away so the money was sometimes unaccessible.
Reaction and Connection: My reaction to this article is pretty torn. I think it's a good idea for India to take the initiative and change their welfare plan especially when it was so corrupt to begin with. Although, I see the other side, the new plan implemented has quite a few problems. For example, the money that they are sending to the poor is the money that would have been used for scholarships and community developments. This can relate to what we're learning about through the Policymaking System. In order for this new program to be implemented it had to have gone through these steps. The problem had to have beome apparent and gone through a linkage institution. Then it would have had to develop a new policy and the be implemented. This is a perfect example of a Policymaking System in effect.
Summary:This article is basically about a new program being implemented in India. The government is directly sendig money to the poor as a new system for social welfare. The problems that initiated the change were that their previous system was so corrupt. Officials would only give a portion of the money if they didn't take all of it. The article also describes the problems that are already apparent with the new social welfare system. An example of one of the problems was something like the fact that the nearest bank for some people are a days' trip away so the money was sometimes unaccessible.
Reaction and Connection: My reaction to this article is pretty torn. I think it's a good idea for India to take the initiative and change their welfare plan especially when it was so corrupt to begin with. Although, I see the other side, the new plan implemented has quite a few problems. For example, the money that they are sending to the poor is the money that would have been used for scholarships and community developments. This can relate to what we're learning about through the Policymaking System. In order for this new program to be implemented it had to have gone through these steps. The problem had to have beome apparent and gone through a linkage institution. Then it would have had to develop a new policy and the be implemented. This is a perfect example of a Policymaking System in effect.
social welfare- Nate Midey
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/01/14/want-welfare-there-isnt-an-app-for-that/
This article is about the fact that Government programs, like food stamps, are only helping 75% of the people who need it. An easier way for people to get the help they need would be through making applications available online. If the poor families can get to a computer or use public computers, they can apply for aide, check the status of their application, and renew their aide easier. There are 8 states that offer no applications online and most of the states offer some, but not all. Starting next year, it is expected to improve with all of the states offering applications.
Reaction: I think that this will be a nice change and many people will benefit from it. I think that it is sad that only 75% of the people that need it are getting it. I think online applications will make it a lot easier for people to access this. This connects to our class because next year a new health care bill is going to be put into place and it is going to effect everyone. I hope that it will be a positive change.
This article is about the fact that Government programs, like food stamps, are only helping 75% of the people who need it. An easier way for people to get the help they need would be through making applications available online. If the poor families can get to a computer or use public computers, they can apply for aide, check the status of their application, and renew their aide easier. There are 8 states that offer no applications online and most of the states offer some, but not all. Starting next year, it is expected to improve with all of the states offering applications.
Reaction: I think that this will be a nice change and many people will benefit from it. I think that it is sad that only 75% of the people that need it are getting it. I think online applications will make it a lot easier for people to access this. This connects to our class because next year a new health care bill is going to be put into place and it is going to effect everyone. I hope that it will be a positive change.
Eric Hale -- Economy
http://money.cnn.com/2013/01/14/news/economy/debt-ceiling-deadline/index.html?section=money_topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fmoney_topstories+%28Top+Stories%29
Summary:
A new debt ceiling looms. Though Congress "resolved" the last crisis involving the debt ceiling, it was only a temporary fix. This article points out that Obama has cemented his position that he will no longer negotiate with Congress and something will be done. The new debt ceiling deadline is said to be anywhere from mid-February to early March. The Republican party has spoken out saying that they will support raising the debt ceiling in order to allow the government to pay bills already authorized by Congress under the one condition that it is matched with spending and budget cuts. This article explains the typical process of government spending. The US owes money, but only makes a fraction of what it owes each day. While the Treasury covers these costs, if the debt ceiling does not get raised, the Treasury will be running a deficit each day because indefinite suspension of federal spending. The article stresses that something needs to be done, else the problem will simply snowball.
Reaction:
I think the fact that a compromise has not been reached since the last debt ceiling crisis in the Summer of 2011 is ridiculous. Congress has been consistently putting the problem off under the rationalization that maybe it will go away, or someone else can deal with it. This mindset is extremely destructive towards political progress. Obama has been quoted plenty of times saying that he is turning the heat up on Congress, and that is exactly what he needs to do. The current spending situation in which the Treasury just writes the US bonds to "pay off" the billions that we owe will catch up to us, it is just a matter of when. In my last blog post, I highlighted that these upcoming months are key in resolving the many debt crises, the new debt ceiling is the first, and arguably most important, to surface. Spending needs to be curbed, and the idea that the government can simply fiat away all of the budget problems by ignoring them needs to be eliminated.
Connection:
The slow process of change could be due to the concept of Checks and Balances within our government. Each branch ensures that nothing too radical is occurring in any other branch, slowing the legislation process. Further, Obama's comments saying that Congress needs to do something also illustrates Checks and Balances because, the concept also specifies that each branch must have separate powers. This means that Obama's only option is to press Congress to do something, because as the Executive Branch, the only thing that he can do to aid the debt ceiling is to sign the legislation that must first be passed through Congress. Additionally, the slow moving resolution of these debt crises can be attributed to conflict between parties. The Federalist Papers outlined that political parties are "evil" and destructive to political progress, and this idea is shown very clearly in the new debt ceiling dilemma. The stagnation can be attributed to the unwillingness of either party to budge and compromise on the issue.
Summary:
A new debt ceiling looms. Though Congress "resolved" the last crisis involving the debt ceiling, it was only a temporary fix. This article points out that Obama has cemented his position that he will no longer negotiate with Congress and something will be done. The new debt ceiling deadline is said to be anywhere from mid-February to early March. The Republican party has spoken out saying that they will support raising the debt ceiling in order to allow the government to pay bills already authorized by Congress under the one condition that it is matched with spending and budget cuts. This article explains the typical process of government spending. The US owes money, but only makes a fraction of what it owes each day. While the Treasury covers these costs, if the debt ceiling does not get raised, the Treasury will be running a deficit each day because indefinite suspension of federal spending. The article stresses that something needs to be done, else the problem will simply snowball.
Reaction:
I think the fact that a compromise has not been reached since the last debt ceiling crisis in the Summer of 2011 is ridiculous. Congress has been consistently putting the problem off under the rationalization that maybe it will go away, or someone else can deal with it. This mindset is extremely destructive towards political progress. Obama has been quoted plenty of times saying that he is turning the heat up on Congress, and that is exactly what he needs to do. The current spending situation in which the Treasury just writes the US bonds to "pay off" the billions that we owe will catch up to us, it is just a matter of when. In my last blog post, I highlighted that these upcoming months are key in resolving the many debt crises, the new debt ceiling is the first, and arguably most important, to surface. Spending needs to be curbed, and the idea that the government can simply fiat away all of the budget problems by ignoring them needs to be eliminated.
Connection:
The slow process of change could be due to the concept of Checks and Balances within our government. Each branch ensures that nothing too radical is occurring in any other branch, slowing the legislation process. Further, Obama's comments saying that Congress needs to do something also illustrates Checks and Balances because, the concept also specifies that each branch must have separate powers. This means that Obama's only option is to press Congress to do something, because as the Executive Branch, the only thing that he can do to aid the debt ceiling is to sign the legislation that must first be passed through Congress. Additionally, the slow moving resolution of these debt crises can be attributed to conflict between parties. The Federalist Papers outlined that political parties are "evil" and destructive to political progress, and this idea is shown very clearly in the new debt ceiling dilemma. The stagnation can be attributed to the unwillingness of either party to budge and compromise on the issue.
Social Welfare -- Callie Heiderscheit
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/12/09/welfare-drug-testing-raises-ethical-legal-issues.html
Summary: In Ohio, a suggestion has been made concerning drug use of those using welfare from the state. An Ohio state senator, Tim Schaffer, has proposed mandatory drug testing in order to decrease the number of welfare beneficiaries relying on drugs. He and the bill's supporters feel like this would create a win-win. It would ultimately be helping families with drug-dependant parents (the bill would provide $100,000 to help rehabilitate those testing positive), save tax dollars, and help to reduce the number of American citizens using illegal drugs. Many, however, disagree. Those who are in opposition to the bill see a few issues with it's implementation. For instance, drug dependence isn't alone to welfare recipiants; in fact, it's no more common among the recipiants than any other group. There's also speculation on how the welfare recipiants would pay for their drug test, as the bill requires them.
Reaction: I thought this article was really interesting. Especially because bill's like this have been close to passed before (Florida and Michigan), but have been discarded by federal courts. I'm not sure I agree with this bill. Of course I feel it's wrong to use welfare checks for drug use. But it also seems a little wrong to be forcing such an inconvinience and, possibly, embarrassment on those who haven't done anything wrong. And on the money side, while the government would be reducing some welfare tax dollars, they still have that $100,000 of rehabilitation money to come up with.
Class Conection: One way this article is related to what we've learned in class is it's discussion of American Civil Liberties Union against the state of Florida. Florida had issued a bill much like this one, and once taken up in federal court it was deemed unfair. In class, we've spend a lot of time discussing major court cases and how they've affected history. This is another example of that, just on a lesser scale.
Summary: In Ohio, a suggestion has been made concerning drug use of those using welfare from the state. An Ohio state senator, Tim Schaffer, has proposed mandatory drug testing in order to decrease the number of welfare beneficiaries relying on drugs. He and the bill's supporters feel like this would create a win-win. It would ultimately be helping families with drug-dependant parents (the bill would provide $100,000 to help rehabilitate those testing positive), save tax dollars, and help to reduce the number of American citizens using illegal drugs. Many, however, disagree. Those who are in opposition to the bill see a few issues with it's implementation. For instance, drug dependence isn't alone to welfare recipiants; in fact, it's no more common among the recipiants than any other group. There's also speculation on how the welfare recipiants would pay for their drug test, as the bill requires them.
Reaction: I thought this article was really interesting. Especially because bill's like this have been close to passed before (Florida and Michigan), but have been discarded by federal courts. I'm not sure I agree with this bill. Of course I feel it's wrong to use welfare checks for drug use. But it also seems a little wrong to be forcing such an inconvinience and, possibly, embarrassment on those who haven't done anything wrong. And on the money side, while the government would be reducing some welfare tax dollars, they still have that $100,000 of rehabilitation money to come up with.
Class Conection: One way this article is related to what we've learned in class is it's discussion of American Civil Liberties Union against the state of Florida. Florida had issued a bill much like this one, and once taken up in federal court it was deemed unfair. In class, we've spend a lot of time discussing major court cases and how they've affected history. This is another example of that, just on a lesser scale.
Economics-James
http://www.accessiblesociety.org/topics/ada/index.html
In this is artical The Americans with Disabilites act,or ADA, is talked about. they have put down many requirements upon the states and there buisnesses to make their public places more handicap accessible. They are required to add in ramps and if they own a pool they must add in a handicap accessible chairs. wider stalls must be added in at public bathrooms and wheelchair lifts must be added onto school buses. All this can add up to a lot of money and some of the buisnesses are starting to mad at the ada for requiring all of this in a little amount of time that the ada gives you to get the job done.
In this artical an example of a mandate is shown here. The ADA is making buisnesses and more to become more handicap accessible without any finacial funding. Without any finacial funding for small buisnesses this can hard because they mite not have enouph money to it in the time the ADA has given them. In my opinion every citizen has the right to go mostly where they want. This means even the disabled. So I think it is fair that they are making buisnesses and other public places more handicap accessible because that person has every right to there as the other nonhandicap people. Also with school I think it is bette because you should be able to go to the school that you want to and shouldn't be not let in because you have a disabilite and they don't have the proper equitment to keep you there. Its just unfair. So in conclusion I Agree with the ADAs maindate over the economy because if I had a disabilite I would still want to go to the places i want to go or the school i would want to go to.
In this is artical The Americans with Disabilites act,or ADA, is talked about. they have put down many requirements upon the states and there buisnesses to make their public places more handicap accessible. They are required to add in ramps and if they own a pool they must add in a handicap accessible chairs. wider stalls must be added in at public bathrooms and wheelchair lifts must be added onto school buses. All this can add up to a lot of money and some of the buisnesses are starting to mad at the ada for requiring all of this in a little amount of time that the ada gives you to get the job done.
In this artical an example of a mandate is shown here. The ADA is making buisnesses and more to become more handicap accessible without any finacial funding. Without any finacial funding for small buisnesses this can hard because they mite not have enouph money to it in the time the ADA has given them. In my opinion every citizen has the right to go mostly where they want. This means even the disabled. So I think it is fair that they are making buisnesses and other public places more handicap accessible because that person has every right to there as the other nonhandicap people. Also with school I think it is bette because you should be able to go to the school that you want to and shouldn't be not let in because you have a disabilite and they don't have the proper equitment to keep you there. Its just unfair. So in conclusion I Agree with the ADAs maindate over the economy because if I had a disabilite I would still want to go to the places i want to go or the school i would want to go to.
National Security Seaba
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-ellsberg/secrecy-and-national-secu_b_2469058.html
Summary: National Security agencies keep alot of secrets. Of course that id their job. In this job telling secrets is unpatriotic and even traitorous. The Commonly false presumtion is that the serecy is not aimed at our public as well as demestic, bureaucratic, or political rivals, but to foreign, powerful enemies. These secrets if exposed could be harmful to our country, its people and its troops. So to keep these secrets they give incentives like promotions, pay raises, etc. The also take away your promotions and pay raises if they find out you spilled the beans on something. You could even lose your job and even go to jail. The last thing was way less likely before the Obama administration. They are even keeping secrets from congress and of course the public.
Reaction: Before I saw anything else I know that they keep secrets it is their job, but I would still like to know why a government agency is keeping secrets from the government. This relates to class y being an example of seperation of power. I understand why there are so many penalties and incentives for keeping secrets.
Summary: National Security agencies keep alot of secrets. Of course that id their job. In this job telling secrets is unpatriotic and even traitorous. The Commonly false presumtion is that the serecy is not aimed at our public as well as demestic, bureaucratic, or political rivals, but to foreign, powerful enemies. These secrets if exposed could be harmful to our country, its people and its troops. So to keep these secrets they give incentives like promotions, pay raises, etc. The also take away your promotions and pay raises if they find out you spilled the beans on something. You could even lose your job and even go to jail. The last thing was way less likely before the Obama administration. They are even keeping secrets from congress and of course the public.
Reaction: Before I saw anything else I know that they keep secrets it is their job, but I would still like to know why a government agency is keeping secrets from the government. This relates to class y being an example of seperation of power. I understand why there are so many penalties and incentives for keeping secrets.
Isaac Frantz-Economics
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/obama-no-negotiations-with-gop-over-debt-ceiling/2013/01/14/f2514230-5e5c-11e2-90a0-73c8343c6d61_story.html
In this article it talked about Obamas' plan to raise the spending cap above the $16.4 trillion mark. The focus in this article was not on the deficit itself, but rather on Obamas' stand to raise the cap. Obama warned that if the spending cap is not increased the government would have to make major spending cuts, basically shutting itself down, and would have worldwide economic effecs. He went on to talk about how after the cap raised that he would push toward spending reford and tax hikes. In this article Obama aslo briefly touched on gun laws and possible reforms.
I found that, in this article, it seems to be crucial to raise the spending limit to avoid worldwide economic desaster and a colapse in government. I found it strange to think about how our economy is so tied in with the rest of the world, how if we become unable to pay off our debts then other countries will also face major economic disaster. This connects to our class because this is a major political issue right now and if t is not resolved soon we will face a totaly different economic policy than we have ever seen before, and I am not sure if anybody ccmpletly understands what effects this might have, both within our nation and worldwide.
In this article it talked about Obamas' plan to raise the spending cap above the $16.4 trillion mark. The focus in this article was not on the deficit itself, but rather on Obamas' stand to raise the cap. Obama warned that if the spending cap is not increased the government would have to make major spending cuts, basically shutting itself down, and would have worldwide economic effecs. He went on to talk about how after the cap raised that he would push toward spending reford and tax hikes. In this article Obama aslo briefly touched on gun laws and possible reforms.
I found that, in this article, it seems to be crucial to raise the spending limit to avoid worldwide economic desaster and a colapse in government. I found it strange to think about how our economy is so tied in with the rest of the world, how if we become unable to pay off our debts then other countries will also face major economic disaster. This connects to our class because this is a major political issue right now and if t is not resolved soon we will face a totaly different economic policy than we have ever seen before, and I am not sure if anybody ccmpletly understands what effects this might have, both within our nation and worldwide.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Health Care and the Environment - Taylor Amey
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/10/health/americans-under-50-fare-poorly-on-health-measures-new-report-says.html
A new report by the Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council shows detrimental results about the status of American health overall. Younger Americans are dying earlier and living poorer than others in foreign nations and also dying more from car accidents, guns, and drug addiction. The United States ended up last in life expectancy among the 17 other countries that it was compared with in the study (included Canada, Japan, Australia, France, Germany, Spain). In terms of youth, the United States was found to have the highest rates of STDs, teen pregnancy, and car crash deaths. However, there were some positive notes to highlight. The death rate among detectable cancers went down, there was more control over cholesterol and blood pressure, and people over 75 outlived others. The possible causes for these results is that the United States has a fragmented health care system, a high rate of uninsured citizens, and limited primary care resources.
Oh boy. This is another reason why I disagree about the belief that America is #1 and we're better than everyone else. These statistic absolutely startle me and the situation needs to change very soon. If we wait, I believe the situation will just get worse and worse. Maybe since ACA is about to go in effect in its entirety, maybe these stats will get better and show that the health of America is getting better rather than worse. This links into the government because a governing body ought to be responsible for the care of its citizens and the quality of the environment and care that they get and live through during the entirety of their life.
A new report by the Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council shows detrimental results about the status of American health overall. Younger Americans are dying earlier and living poorer than others in foreign nations and also dying more from car accidents, guns, and drug addiction. The United States ended up last in life expectancy among the 17 other countries that it was compared with in the study (included Canada, Japan, Australia, France, Germany, Spain). In terms of youth, the United States was found to have the highest rates of STDs, teen pregnancy, and car crash deaths. However, there were some positive notes to highlight. The death rate among detectable cancers went down, there was more control over cholesterol and blood pressure, and people over 75 outlived others. The possible causes for these results is that the United States has a fragmented health care system, a high rate of uninsured citizens, and limited primary care resources.
Oh boy. This is another reason why I disagree about the belief that America is #1 and we're better than everyone else. These statistic absolutely startle me and the situation needs to change very soon. If we wait, I believe the situation will just get worse and worse. Maybe since ACA is about to go in effect in its entirety, maybe these stats will get better and show that the health of America is getting better rather than worse. This links into the government because a governing body ought to be responsible for the care of its citizens and the quality of the environment and care that they get and live through during the entirety of their life.
Social Welfare Belcher
http://www.examiner.com/article/growing-welfare-state-america-creating-lower-average-life-expectancy
This article talks about how Welfare in todays world is leading to shorter lifes. It says welfare started off as a short term program to help people to get back on their feet and back into the working world. Now people are using it for a long term thing and are become lazy and more dependent on welfare. With the welfare being low money and some people only living off welfare they say people have to buy the lower costing goods which tend to be the less nutrional ones.They are also saying that kids who were rasied on welfare have a lower life expectincy of those who do not live off welfare.
Reaction: I think that the idea of people being on welfare for long term is personally stupid. I believe that they should move it to be a perminent short term program that is ran by state governments. That is also why I think this could relate with devolution, I believe if we gave that power to the local/state government they could easly find those lazy people "b.s.ing" the system and find the people who actually need it. I also think this is relatable to the linkage thing we did in class. If we changed the outward example of how to use the welfare it also might change the new foodstamps users ways/thoughts.
This article talks about how Welfare in todays world is leading to shorter lifes. It says welfare started off as a short term program to help people to get back on their feet and back into the working world. Now people are using it for a long term thing and are become lazy and more dependent on welfare. With the welfare being low money and some people only living off welfare they say people have to buy the lower costing goods which tend to be the less nutrional ones.They are also saying that kids who were rasied on welfare have a lower life expectincy of those who do not live off welfare.
Reaction: I think that the idea of people being on welfare for long term is personally stupid. I believe that they should move it to be a perminent short term program that is ran by state governments. That is also why I think this could relate with devolution, I believe if we gave that power to the local/state government they could easly find those lazy people "b.s.ing" the system and find the people who actually need it. I also think this is relatable to the linkage thing we did in class. If we changed the outward example of how to use the welfare it also might change the new foodstamps users ways/thoughts.
Environment- Kranovich
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/09/science/earth/2012-was-hottest-year-ever-in-us.html?ref=earth
This article shows how increasing temperatures have caused the United States to have the highest temperatures in history. 2012 has shown the highest average temperature and the largest difference in temperatures between years. With the average temperature being 55.8 degrees it was higher by one degree than the last record holder which is significant because most times averages are compared it is by fractions of degrees. It i believed that this can be caused by the release of greenhouse gases which causes global warming. Also in 2012 there were 34,008 record highs set and only 6,664 record lows. This is a major concern in the United States and is being looked into by scientists.
In my opinion I fell that this is a valid concern that should be studied closely by scientists and should be debated about among politicians. Although I am not sold on the idea of global warming I still believe the rising temperatures need to be looked at closely to determine if it is a high priority threat to the United States. The class connection could be fro watching the Newsroom video. Although this is not completely a political topic it still shows that many Americans are ingorant about many things going on in the United States and we need to try to inform them.
Environment- Kaylie Barnett
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/climate-change-underway-in-us-report-says/2013/01/11/b5ec843e-5c23-11e2-88d0-c4cf65c3ad15_story.html
Summary- This article is about that fact that the planet is growing warmer, rainfall and storms are becoming more trecherous, and the seas are rising, due to our rate of Global Carbon Emissons. A report was released showing that the impacts of these GCEs will intensify in the next few decades. The report sends us all a warning that we need to act now to reduce the carbon pollusion or we will continue to be devastated by extreme weather conditions and the aftermath they leave. There is strong evidence that the increases of the extreme weather phenomenons are due to human activity. President Obama wants to have a national conversation about the climate and what to do to help these emissions but he acknoledges that we should be working on the economy, not climate change. Republicans are expected to oppose any efforts made by the president; the experts say the republicans believe Americans will not tolerate any new climate policies. Without drastic measures taken to reduce our pollution we create, human health will suffer due to the rise in temperature and the increasing number of weather events.
Class Connection- I believe we should be taking measures to help reduce our pollution we create. Just recently, I heard someone say "Well we aren't going to see a change in my lifetime so if I throw away a bottle it's not a huge deal". I believe it's because so many people think that way that they WON'T see a change. If everyone thought that they could make a difference, we would see a change because people will try to help. Personally, I've noticed that both our summers and our winters have become warmer and I do believe it's because of human activity. I think that anyone who isn't willing to accept new laws put in place to help us is out of their mind. A predicted 1.8 degree rise in temperature could lead to 1,000 more premature deaths annually. This relates to class because of the mandates that will affect the people. The increasing amout of rain increases liklihood of flood, which leads cities to replace the storm sewers. Also, codes are having to be updated for electric utilites in case of dangerous situations. This also affects farmers and the people that the farmers' food feed. They now have to look at which crops to grow and how to grow them with the conditions. If we don't fix something, I believe terrible things are going to happen to our planet.
Summary- This article is about that fact that the planet is growing warmer, rainfall and storms are becoming more trecherous, and the seas are rising, due to our rate of Global Carbon Emissons. A report was released showing that the impacts of these GCEs will intensify in the next few decades. The report sends us all a warning that we need to act now to reduce the carbon pollusion or we will continue to be devastated by extreme weather conditions and the aftermath they leave. There is strong evidence that the increases of the extreme weather phenomenons are due to human activity. President Obama wants to have a national conversation about the climate and what to do to help these emissions but he acknoledges that we should be working on the economy, not climate change. Republicans are expected to oppose any efforts made by the president; the experts say the republicans believe Americans will not tolerate any new climate policies. Without drastic measures taken to reduce our pollution we create, human health will suffer due to the rise in temperature and the increasing number of weather events.
Class Connection- I believe we should be taking measures to help reduce our pollution we create. Just recently, I heard someone say "Well we aren't going to see a change in my lifetime so if I throw away a bottle it's not a huge deal". I believe it's because so many people think that way that they WON'T see a change. If everyone thought that they could make a difference, we would see a change because people will try to help. Personally, I've noticed that both our summers and our winters have become warmer and I do believe it's because of human activity. I think that anyone who isn't willing to accept new laws put in place to help us is out of their mind. A predicted 1.8 degree rise in temperature could lead to 1,000 more premature deaths annually. This relates to class because of the mandates that will affect the people. The increasing amout of rain increases liklihood of flood, which leads cities to replace the storm sewers. Also, codes are having to be updated for electric utilites in case of dangerous situations. This also affects farmers and the people that the farmers' food feed. They now have to look at which crops to grow and how to grow them with the conditions. If we don't fix something, I believe terrible things are going to happen to our planet.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
National security Seaba
Obama urged senate to confirm, Chuck Hagel and John Brennan, as members of his National Security team. Obama said, " Chuck Hagel is the leader our troops deserve." Chuck served in Veitnam and he served as the Nebraska Senator for two term. John Brennan was nominated as the new directer of the CIA. John Brennan was the white house counter terrorism adviser. Obama's new team will face challenges like wraping up the war in Afghanistan and cybersecurity.
I think that adding members to the National security team is a good thing. Both men are good choices for the positions they are nominated for. The fact that Obama has to have the senates approval ties this article back into what we are learning in class.
I think that adding members to the National security team is a good thing. Both men are good choices for the positions they are nominated for. The fact that Obama has to have the senates approval ties this article back into what we are learning in class.
Social Welfare - Callie Heiderscheit
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/18/us/politics/welfare-to-work-shift-angers-republicans.html?_r=0
Summary: This article, titled Shift in Welfare Policy Draws G.O.P. Protests, covers the Obama administration's giving of waivers to individual states in order to let them provide more for those in need. Specifically, the waivers are meant to provide for those without a job but looking. This action angered many Republicans; the argument was that if welfare is given to those without a job citizens would begin to associate welfare with unemployment. In responce, however, many Democrats believed that the republicans negative reaction was undeserved. Some argue that Republicans are always in favor of state individuality and power, yet they are opposed to this. They also claim that because the entire act's priority is finding citizens jobs, the Republicans are only recieving what they had been asking for.
Reaction: If I'm being honest, I know close to nothing about welfare. However, I recognize and understand both sides of the argument on this particular topic. Of course, I want those people who are struggling to find a job. I realize that this waiver may help to acheive that. Still, I guess I have a few doubts. Who says that those recieving money will actually look for a job? Certainly there will be that select few who choose to become accustomed to living off of their meagar welfare money as opposed to working. So I see the Republican's argument, that there's never a guarantee that the money will actually be going to good use. However, I think it's worth a shot. It might end up completely failing, but it also might end up solving a massive problem for the United States. Class Conection: Since this whole article discusses the praise and backlash of something the government put into place, it's definitely relevant to our class. Specifically, it relates to what we talked about in class yesterday. It's a perfect example of the ideas we discussed over the political profiles of both Democrats and Republicans. In simple terms, the Democrats are looking for more government involvement with their issued waivers, and the Republicans want less.
Summary: This article, titled Shift in Welfare Policy Draws G.O.P. Protests, covers the Obama administration's giving of waivers to individual states in order to let them provide more for those in need. Specifically, the waivers are meant to provide for those without a job but looking. This action angered many Republicans; the argument was that if welfare is given to those without a job citizens would begin to associate welfare with unemployment. In responce, however, many Democrats believed that the republicans negative reaction was undeserved. Some argue that Republicans are always in favor of state individuality and power, yet they are opposed to this. They also claim that because the entire act's priority is finding citizens jobs, the Republicans are only recieving what they had been asking for.
Reaction: If I'm being honest, I know close to nothing about welfare. However, I recognize and understand both sides of the argument on this particular topic. Of course, I want those people who are struggling to find a job. I realize that this waiver may help to acheive that. Still, I guess I have a few doubts. Who says that those recieving money will actually look for a job? Certainly there will be that select few who choose to become accustomed to living off of their meagar welfare money as opposed to working. So I see the Republican's argument, that there's never a guarantee that the money will actually be going to good use. However, I think it's worth a shot. It might end up completely failing, but it also might end up solving a massive problem for the United States. Class Conection: Since this whole article discusses the praise and backlash of something the government put into place, it's definitely relevant to our class. Specifically, it relates to what we talked about in class yesterday. It's a perfect example of the ideas we discussed over the political profiles of both Democrats and Republicans. In simple terms, the Democrats are looking for more government involvement with their issued waivers, and the Republicans want less.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Economics Belcher
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/u/united_states_economy/index.html
This article is talking about Americas governement and how it has been going down. In the article it talks about how this lowering economic status is effecting countries and how they look at America being a leader and "strong" country. They bring up the fact that we can simply agree on bills to avoid an event such as the fiscal cliff . It also attacks the United states with the Fannie Maes and Freddie Macs and how they "were to big to fail and had a toxic mixtue of share holders and implicit government guarantees". Once that was said from the Chinesse Mr.Loevinger an analyst for Asia in California, he attacked back saying that they also do have those types of business' and people in china they just havent been a big topic.
Reaction: I think our government doing things the way they do now , is starting to show a financial weakness the United States has. I also think that this is bad that it shows weekness because it can show that we are not ready to "step up to the plate" if there is another war or a country needing our help. It also shows China that we are not as financially stable as we were before and they might stop lending us money. I think this is bad because from what I learned in some previous classes is that the United States Economy, a big chunk of it, is from borrowing from China. Which could make us go bankrupt.This connects to our course on how we learned about the fiscal cliff and also I think that if China stop helping us that would link to Policy Agenda because it would probably get a lot of attention. If this does happen too then it will revert back to our government and their problems with making choices.
This article is talking about Americas governement and how it has been going down. In the article it talks about how this lowering economic status is effecting countries and how they look at America being a leader and "strong" country. They bring up the fact that we can simply agree on bills to avoid an event such as the fiscal cliff . It also attacks the United states with the Fannie Maes and Freddie Macs and how they "were to big to fail and had a toxic mixtue of share holders and implicit government guarantees". Once that was said from the Chinesse Mr.Loevinger an analyst for Asia in California, he attacked back saying that they also do have those types of business' and people in china they just havent been a big topic.
Reaction: I think our government doing things the way they do now , is starting to show a financial weakness the United States has. I also think that this is bad that it shows weekness because it can show that we are not ready to "step up to the plate" if there is another war or a country needing our help. It also shows China that we are not as financially stable as we were before and they might stop lending us money. I think this is bad because from what I learned in some previous classes is that the United States Economy, a big chunk of it, is from borrowing from China. Which could make us go bankrupt.This connects to our course on how we learned about the fiscal cliff and also I think that if China stop helping us that would link to Policy Agenda because it would probably get a lot of attention. If this does happen too then it will revert back to our government and their problems with making choices.
Social Welfare-Courtney Melton
http://articles.latimes.com/2012/jul/23/news/la-pn-irs-to-consider-tightening-election-spending-rules-for-nonprofits-20120723
Summary: This article is mainly about needing the Internal Revenue Service to tighten standards for election spending by nonprofit groups. Advocates for campaign finance reform may have finally provoked the agency to make the change. Various groups have taken advantage of a provision of the tax code that allows them to shield the names of their donors from public view. The provision was originally written for groups whose purpose is to promote social welfare, including local cultural preservation committees or community associations, but because of the anonymity it allows, it has become the favored way to set up entities that influence the election.
Reflection: It surprised me when I read about all the different donors that give money towards the election. I didn't think they would pay so much money towards a person that might not be elected. Campaign finance lawyers have interpreted the rules to mean that up to 49% of a group’s spending can be political. But, the IRS says it “will consider proposed changes” to the rules, which date back to 1959. I don't believe anything will happen anytime soon but they are in the process of thinking about what to do about things. Crossroads GPS, a group co-founded by Karl Rove, spent $17 million in 2010, according to data compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics. This connects to class because people will go through so much to get someone re-elected or to elect someone new for the position.
Summary: This article is mainly about needing the Internal Revenue Service to tighten standards for election spending by nonprofit groups. Advocates for campaign finance reform may have finally provoked the agency to make the change. Various groups have taken advantage of a provision of the tax code that allows them to shield the names of their donors from public view. The provision was originally written for groups whose purpose is to promote social welfare, including local cultural preservation committees or community associations, but because of the anonymity it allows, it has become the favored way to set up entities that influence the election.
Reflection: It surprised me when I read about all the different donors that give money towards the election. I didn't think they would pay so much money towards a person that might not be elected. Campaign finance lawyers have interpreted the rules to mean that up to 49% of a group’s spending can be political. But, the IRS says it “will consider proposed changes” to the rules, which date back to 1959. I don't believe anything will happen anytime soon but they are in the process of thinking about what to do about things. Crossroads GPS, a group co-founded by Karl Rove, spent $17 million in 2010, according to data compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics. This connects to class because people will go through so much to get someone re-elected or to elect someone new for the position.
Social Welfare- Kranovich
http://news.yahoo.com/welfare-states-unfair-states-062000211.html
This article displays that the welfare system can only do harm to our country and already has. In this the author shows reasons why continuing with the welfare system is a bad idea by telling us about the United Kingdom's hardships while using it. The first point made is that, "Welfare states encourage economic inactivity." This means that this system can make people become dependant on it then become lazy and take the system for granted. His second point is that welfare punishes success. Many liberals believe that the rich can solely pay for welfare costs, but this also takes away their hard earned money. The flaw in this is that this will raise taxes substantially for these people causing them to change their lives. In all the author displays how continuing to use the welfare system is a bad idea. The course connection comes from our discussion on the ignorance of the young voting population. How this connects is that these new voters will think that welfare is such a great idea because they think it helps people when it doesn't because they are still unemployed. Plus these new voters could become dependent on it because they will think they don't need to work for anything if the government will give it to them.
In my opinion stopping the welfare system is a good idea. I feel that in order to strengthen America as a whole we need to stop welfare. People on welfare will continue to take take take until someone makes them get a job to pay for themselves. This can only happen if this program is shut down. As shown in the article the harm this causes is not made up by the little good. I totally agree with this article and I hope the U.S. will do something about it.
This article displays that the welfare system can only do harm to our country and already has. In this the author shows reasons why continuing with the welfare system is a bad idea by telling us about the United Kingdom's hardships while using it. The first point made is that, "Welfare states encourage economic inactivity." This means that this system can make people become dependant on it then become lazy and take the system for granted. His second point is that welfare punishes success. Many liberals believe that the rich can solely pay for welfare costs, but this also takes away their hard earned money. The flaw in this is that this will raise taxes substantially for these people causing them to change their lives. In all the author displays how continuing to use the welfare system is a bad idea. The course connection comes from our discussion on the ignorance of the young voting population. How this connects is that these new voters will think that welfare is such a great idea because they think it helps people when it doesn't because they are still unemployed. Plus these new voters could become dependent on it because they will think they don't need to work for anything if the government will give it to them.
In my opinion stopping the welfare system is a good idea. I feel that in order to strengthen America as a whole we need to stop welfare. People on welfare will continue to take take take until someone makes them get a job to pay for themselves. This can only happen if this program is shut down. As shown in the article the harm this causes is not made up by the little good. I totally agree with this article and I hope the U.S. will do something about it.
Health Care and the Environment - Taylor Amey
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/jan-june13/healthcare_01-07.html
Summary - Health care spending has increased for the third year in a row according to an article published in the journal, "Health Affairs." In 2011, health care spending racked up a total of $2.7 trillion or roughly $8,700 per person. Susan Dentzer from Health Affairs says that it is related to the recent recession in the past 5 years that has resulted in the loss of people's health insurance from their jobs being lost. About a net of 7 million people lost their health insurance between the years of 2007-2010. However, there's a rise of people gaining insurance whether it be from their employer or private insurance by about 4 percent.
Reaction - In my opinion, health care is a big priority and it's good to see that more people are getting health care exempting the ACA (Affordable Care Act). $2.7 trillion is a huge amount that in these days with our $16 trillion debt shouldn't be spent. All it will do is rack up the debt and we will go in a cycle with a debt ceiling crisis where Congress and the President reach a deal at the last second. This clearly involves the government as programs like Medicare and Medicaid provide health insurance to those who can't afford it financially and senior citizens. I personally don't know how much Obamacare will cost per fiscal year after it goes into full effect in less than a year in 2014 but lets hope it doesn't cost this much and drive up the debt and actually generate a profit for our country.
Summary - Health care spending has increased for the third year in a row according to an article published in the journal, "Health Affairs." In 2011, health care spending racked up a total of $2.7 trillion or roughly $8,700 per person. Susan Dentzer from Health Affairs says that it is related to the recent recession in the past 5 years that has resulted in the loss of people's health insurance from their jobs being lost. About a net of 7 million people lost their health insurance between the years of 2007-2010. However, there's a rise of people gaining insurance whether it be from their employer or private insurance by about 4 percent.
Reaction - In my opinion, health care is a big priority and it's good to see that more people are getting health care exempting the ACA (Affordable Care Act). $2.7 trillion is a huge amount that in these days with our $16 trillion debt shouldn't be spent. All it will do is rack up the debt and we will go in a cycle with a debt ceiling crisis where Congress and the President reach a deal at the last second. This clearly involves the government as programs like Medicare and Medicaid provide health insurance to those who can't afford it financially and senior citizens. I personally don't know how much Obamacare will cost per fiscal year after it goes into full effect in less than a year in 2014 but lets hope it doesn't cost this much and drive up the debt and actually generate a profit for our country.
Social welfare Bryce Melton
http://www.opednews.com/populum/pagem.php?f=Cut-Corporate-Welfare-Not-by-Carl-Gibson-130106-692.html
Summary: The U.S. fiscal cliff has been caused by the loopholes in the laws that have been passed trying to end this. Many very rich companies have found loopholes to where they do not have to pay taxes so that they make billions of dollars. U.S. companies have over 2 trillion dollars offshored because of the loopholes, which allows them to not have to pay taxes like everyone else. Requiring these billion dollar companies to pay taxes can help lower national debt. The Works Progress Administration could be passed in the U.S., which will provide many jobless Americans with jobs, which will allow more product to be bought, therefore more demand for jobs also, which will contribute to lower the U.S. debt. Seeing which congressmen are for passing this, which will lower the debt majorly will allow Americans to decide who they want as their congressmen so that the debt may be lowered.
Reaction: I believe that all companies should be taxed no matter what, and any loopholes in the bills passed on the fiscal cliff should be atteneded to. For our country to move on and become a better place to live, we must lower our nations debt, and this could be the begining to it. After the recession of 1937-38 occured FDR used the WPA, which cut the American unemployment rate in half, therefore helping many people get on their feet. Although this can cost up to 1.5 trillion dollars, it should be passed so that the government will not have to send out so many welfare checks to Americans that can very easily have jobs if this is put in place. As said before, more people with jobs will cause need for more product, which will cause more jobs to be put in place, and therefore helping lowering the national debt that we have built up.
Summary: The U.S. fiscal cliff has been caused by the loopholes in the laws that have been passed trying to end this. Many very rich companies have found loopholes to where they do not have to pay taxes so that they make billions of dollars. U.S. companies have over 2 trillion dollars offshored because of the loopholes, which allows them to not have to pay taxes like everyone else. Requiring these billion dollar companies to pay taxes can help lower national debt. The Works Progress Administration could be passed in the U.S., which will provide many jobless Americans with jobs, which will allow more product to be bought, therefore more demand for jobs also, which will contribute to lower the U.S. debt. Seeing which congressmen are for passing this, which will lower the debt majorly will allow Americans to decide who they want as their congressmen so that the debt may be lowered.
Reaction: I believe that all companies should be taxed no matter what, and any loopholes in the bills passed on the fiscal cliff should be atteneded to. For our country to move on and become a better place to live, we must lower our nations debt, and this could be the begining to it. After the recession of 1937-38 occured FDR used the WPA, which cut the American unemployment rate in half, therefore helping many people get on their feet. Although this can cost up to 1.5 trillion dollars, it should be passed so that the government will not have to send out so many welfare checks to Americans that can very easily have jobs if this is put in place. As said before, more people with jobs will cause need for more product, which will cause more jobs to be put in place, and therefore helping lowering the national debt that we have built up.
Isaac Frantz- Economics
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/fiscal-cliff/us-may-default-on-its-debt-a-half-month-earlier-than-expected-new-analysis-shows/2013/01/07/6c3b3b26-590a-11e2-9fa9-5fbdc9530eb9_story.html?hpid=z3
In this article it talks about the urgency to raise the debt limit before we, as a nation, are forced to default. The article stated that the united States could be forced to default on its loans as soon as Febuary fifteenth. After passing the $16.4 trillion mark the Bipartisan Policy Center states that unless the debt limit is raised that we will almost certainly pass our payable limits between febuary fifteenth and march first.
This article connects to our class because our class is based around politics and a main iscussion between political parties is our national spending. In my opinion I think we should be focused on cutting spending, not raising the debt limit. I also find it disturbing that our generation will probably never see our nation without a massive amount of debt to forein countries. I wonder what direct effects thissmight have on our ddaily lives.
In this article it talks about the urgency to raise the debt limit before we, as a nation, are forced to default. The article stated that the united States could be forced to default on its loans as soon as Febuary fifteenth. After passing the $16.4 trillion mark the Bipartisan Policy Center states that unless the debt limit is raised that we will almost certainly pass our payable limits between febuary fifteenth and march first.
This article connects to our class because our class is based around politics and a main iscussion between political parties is our national spending. In my opinion I think we should be focused on cutting spending, not raising the debt limit. I also find it disturbing that our generation will probably never see our nation without a massive amount of debt to forein countries. I wonder what direct effects thissmight have on our ddaily lives.
social warfare Nathan Midey
India paying billions in cash directly to its poorest people, aiming to end welfare fraud
India has decided to pay billions of dollars to the poorest people in their country. Their goal is to cut out the middman that is being blammed for all of the fraud. Many people would give money and enroll others that were not actually poor but just wanted more money for themselves. Many people in India do not have a valid proof of their identification so therefore, anyone can clam to be them and anyone can take their money. The biggest issue with this is that many people do not live by banks. The country has a few number of banks. Many people may have to walk an entire day to get to a bank and the bank is going to be their only way to recieve their money. Another thing the country wants to do is give everyone a citizen number and match their number with different things that will be able to tell them apart from others like their fingerprint.
I believe that this idea is smart but they need to create a high standard and set of rules for who can receive the money. Also if they are going to go all out on this they will need to build many more banks which will cost a lot of money for them. The thing that I noticed that is similar to us here in the U.S. is that they want to have a number for every citizen and so they have proof of who they are and in the U.S. we all have our own social security number. Which is an aspect in the constitution.
Health Care- Kaylie Barnett
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/govt-respite-from-surging-health-care-costs-continued-for-3rd-straight-year-will-it-hold/2013/01/07/371cfa24-590f-11e2-b8b2-0d18a64c8dfa_story.html
Summary: This article is about how Health Care spending has been at record low increases since 2009. The past 3 years, spending has increased only at 3.9%. This means that the spending has increased in line with the rest of the economy. Health care that grows at about the same rate as the economy can be affordable but health care that increases well above the economy is not. Health care spending is expected to pick back up in 2014 due to President Barak Obama plan to cover the uninsured goes into effect next year.
Response/Class Connection: It really surprised me how much we spend on health care each year: $2.7 trillion total, $8,860 per person. From what I've heard on the news about health care, it doesn't seem like anything is getting better. Though it has gotten better within the last 3 years, it still is increasing by 3.9% a year and is expected to rise again in 2014, which isn't good for Americans. This connects to the class because the law that is being implemented by the president in 2014 will affect Americans. This law will change the 3 year record low increases on health care spending. Health care is a major issue on the policy agenda but policymaking institutions are working at fixing this issue.
Social Welfare-Stephanie Moore
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/02/us/02welfare.html?ref=welfareus&_r=0
Sumary-This article is about the fact that as our economy worsens we aren't keeping up with social welfare at the same time. As our economy worsens and jobs are being lost we are only decreasing the amount of social welfare provided for families that need it. The article provides examples such as the fact that of the top ten states with the highest child poverty rate, eight of them either maintain social welfare or even decrease the rolls. The government is trying to discourage a dependency on the social welfare and paint it as a program that people don't want to be a part of. Their main goal is to motivate people to not have to depend on the government for welfare.
Reaction and Course Connection-I agree with the things presented in this article. I do acknowledge the fact that a lot a people truly need welfare to support for their family, but I think more people use it as an exuse to be lazy. I think when the government is supporting for people they aren't going to be as motivated to go out and find a job. This connects to our course through political ideology as being a liberal society. The idea of being liberal relates to the welcoming of government involvement with our society, especially when involvement can increase equality.
economics burroughs
http://money.cnn.com/2013/01/04/news/economy/debt-ceiling/index.html?iid=SF_E_River
This article is about the fisical cliff and how it has being worked with in congress. After the fisical cliff comprimise was passed Obama stated that he would not have another discussion about paying bills that they racked up from laws they passed. The republicans continue to insist that any rise in the "debt ceiling" is going to have to come from spending cuts. It states that this country has already hit the legal borrowing limit of $16.394 trillion. It also states that if the ceiling isnt raised by late February or early March that the country runs the risk of defaulting on its obligations because of lack of money to pay the bills. They seem to think that the ceiling will need to be raised by $1 trillion to cover a years debts.
The president may also be forced to revoke the 14th amendment which could cause negative reactions to him possibly getting him impeached. Either way the country would be hurting financially. The class connection has to do with how we talked about the fisical cliff and how it has been recently affecting us as a country. It also kind of connects to the disscussions about the different powers of our government. My reaction to this article is both happy and disapointed at the same time. The reason i am happy about this is that something is finally starting to get solved. for years now we have kept borrowing from other countries and now things are starting to be returned to us or things are getting figured out in congress. The reason i am disapointed is because as a country we let it get this far in the hole. There may not of been anything people my age could of done but the generations before made changes without our generation in mind.
This article is about the fisical cliff and how it has being worked with in congress. After the fisical cliff comprimise was passed Obama stated that he would not have another discussion about paying bills that they racked up from laws they passed. The republicans continue to insist that any rise in the "debt ceiling" is going to have to come from spending cuts. It states that this country has already hit the legal borrowing limit of $16.394 trillion. It also states that if the ceiling isnt raised by late February or early March that the country runs the risk of defaulting on its obligations because of lack of money to pay the bills. They seem to think that the ceiling will need to be raised by $1 trillion to cover a years debts.
The president may also be forced to revoke the 14th amendment which could cause negative reactions to him possibly getting him impeached. Either way the country would be hurting financially. The class connection has to do with how we talked about the fisical cliff and how it has been recently affecting us as a country. It also kind of connects to the disscussions about the different powers of our government. My reaction to this article is both happy and disapointed at the same time. The reason i am happy about this is that something is finally starting to get solved. for years now we have kept borrowing from other countries and now things are starting to be returned to us or things are getting figured out in congress. The reason i am disapointed is because as a country we let it get this far in the hole. There may not of been anything people my age could of done but the generations before made changes without our generation in mind.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)