Sunday, October 30, 2011

"this isn't easy"

{quote by John Boehner}

As part of the debt-ceiling deal negotiated over the summer, Congress' "super committee" is now attempting to create a plan for defecit reduction. This week, both Democrats and Republicans have announced their respective plans. Each party has dismissed the other's plan, with the Democrats calling the Republican plan "a joke." With the Thanksgiving deadline looming, it is questionable as to whether or not a substantial plan will be made.

This is very frustrating for me personally because I, like many Americans, am extremely tired of watching hyperpartisan politicians fail to get anything done. If this plays out similarly to the showdown over the summer, with Congress creating a mediocre plan just for the sake of getting something out there, I may give up on government altogether and join the Occupy Wall Street protesters. This is hyperpluralism at its finest.

(via LA Times)

got more cars than a beach got sand

Transportation and associated problems are some of the biggest challenges Virginia faces today. We have around 8 million people. However, the roads in Virginia are not capable of efficiently handling such large numbers. Furthermore, the VDOT and the DMV are often inefficient. Governor McDonnell has done a good job of addressing these issues, and has outlined a plan to fix them. The plan includes a Virginia Infrastructure Bank, and therefore money would be moved there instead of more taxes being added. This is a step in the right direction.

Transportation is something that affects everyone, and is an especially crucial problem to fix as the economy remains stagnant. Boosting our infrastructure would create jobs, and would mean that it may be easier for someone to accept a job that's a little farther away. Most importantly, reducing congestion and making our transportation system more efficient would improve all Virginian's overall quality of life.

(via smartregion.org)

Saturday, October 15, 2011

presidential report card

Although I do not feel at all qualified to rate President Obama's performance, here goes:

Health Care: C

President Obama's plan to reform health care is certainly very ambitious, and I respect his lofty aspirations and efforts to provide all Americans with health insurance. However, I think that having the federal government impose regulations and manage the entire health care industry will not work. The proposed legislation will eliminate incentives for doctors and insurance companies, thus decreasing the quality of care received. Some aid should be granted to those who are in need of health care insurance, yes; but that will require a reform of Medicare, not of the whole health care system in general. The competetiveness of the market will be in jeopardy under the new system, in turn threatening the advancement of medicine in the long term. I commend President Obama for his attemps at enacting reform which will extend equality; however, I don't think that health care reform will work as well in practice as it does in theory.

Economic Downturn: D+

The economy is still in a slump. This is not solely the fault of President Obama; from obstinate Congressmen to the failings of capitalism, there are many other aspects to this issue. However, as President, it is his role to work with businesses and politicians to create a plan that will get things back on track. Though the stimulus plan was mildly effective in the short-term, since then Obama has failed to create long-term solutions. In the meantime, the confidence among CEOs, and the country, has dwindled. This will not improve the economy. Furthermore, we need to find a short-term fix that we can agree on so that we can start investing in research and development- the things that will keep us competitive in the long run. On a more positive note, I do commend President Obama for attempting to listen to business owners, CEOs, and Wall Street gurus in the recent meetings he has been having.

War on Terror: B

President Obama has done a good job of narrowing the focus of the war on terror. Rather than attempting to convert Afghanistan to a full-fledged democratic nation, he has instead chosen the more attainable goal of trying to eliminate safety for terrorists in Afghanistan. During his presidency, several key al Qaeda leaders have been killed, most importantly Osama bin Laden. President Obama has also been working to improve U.S.-Middle East relations by cleaning up our image and proving that, though we've made mistakes in the past, we will no longer support stifling dictatorships (ie Egypt, Libya.)

Reelection Bid: B

Despite what he may say, Obama has already started campaigning. I don't mean this in the typical sense; I mean that he is making certain political moves in order to make himself look like the victim- a victim who needs more time to get things accomplished. With the new jobs act, President Obama has essentially put Republicans in a box. In his speech, he positioned it so that he will be able to make Republicans look like the perpetual naysayers, while he is just trying to get things done. In trying to turn the heat on Republicans, Obama has done very well. However, he has done nothing in recent weeks to garner any special attention. To win the 2012 election, President Obama will have to continue his "passing the buck" to Republicans, but also show the public that he is getting things done.

"mass murder cannot be committed with impunity"

{quote by Kenneth Roth}

President Obama has decided to deploy about 100 U.S. troops to Central Africa, namely Uganda, in an effort to thwart Joseph Kony and his Lord's Resistance Army. The Lord's Resistance Army, or LRA, has been violently attempting to create a new government based on its spiritual ideology for over twenty years. In the process, the International Criminal Court has issued a warrant for Kony's arrest, and many countries and human rights organizations have called for foreign nations to aid in his capture.

The deployment of troops by President Obama may bring some criticism from Americans wary of resources being wasted in foreign countries. The ongoing efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq have left many frustrated and wary of military intervention in foreign countries. However, ever since Teddy Roosevelt's presidency, America has been a nation which promotes the basic principles of universal human rights, liberty, and freedom. As we become an increasingly globalized society, we must think about our past and current roles in other countries, and which direction we want to go in the future. I think that we should continue to intervene when such atrocious crimes are being committed, so as to set an example and take a stance against global injustices. The interdependence of our world today, and America's position in it, will depend on how other countries perceive us. By sending a small number of troops, we are proving that we will not stand for crimes of war and that we are willing to offer our resources to work towards solutions to international problems.

(via Washington Post)

Thursday, October 6, 2011

welfare

As far as politics go, I am most interested in social issues. I've worked with various nonprofits throughout my high school career, and I'm interested in finding different ways to solve social problems. In this vein, I am most passionate about Welfare.

As the economy continues to remain stagnant (one could even argue it's worsening,) more and more people are looking to the Welfare system as a safety net to help them through difficult times. However, with the current gridlock in Congress, cuts to Welfare are being proposed. Obviously, this is a large problem. However, the focus, which until now has been on whether or not cuts to Welfare should be made, should be shifted to the question of how we can most efficiently provide aid to those in need.

The current system is overrun by bureaucratic issues and potential fraud on the part of recipients. It does not enourage transition or empowerment. Albeit, one could argue that some of these issues are due to income inequalities; however, that does not mean that we should let Welfare continue in its current state.

A study done by the National Evaluation of Welfare-to-Work Strategies (NEWWS) suggests that programs that make finding employment mandatory, while incorporating small amounts of education and training, are perhaps the most effective. Though I'm not sure if this is the right answer, more trials need to be done and more methods tried to improve the system. Furthermore, I think that having the states control Welfare may be one way to make it more efficient and be able to better serve citizens' needs.

Welfare is crucial to the advancement of our society- without caring for those in need, we will fail to provide the children of America the skills they need to be contributing citizens in the future. And without ensuring that we are doing enough to provide for our neediest citizens, we will not be living up to the values our country was founded upon: equality, liberty, and providing every citizen the freedom to achieve his dreams. After all, as Mohatmas Gandhi said "A nation's greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members."

new performance poll

A new poll from Quinnipiac University has come out this week regarding Americans' thoughts on President Obama's job performance, the state of the economy, and what they think of potential Republican candidates. Though polls are not always reliable, this one could be a good indicator of where things stand at this point for the 2012 race.

According to analysts, Obama has reached an all-time low as far as approval ratings- he is at 41 percent, whereas 55 percent "don't like how Obama is doing his job." What's more surpising is how Americans responded when asked about possible Republican candidates Rick Perry and Mitt Romney. Voters say 49- 39 percent that Mitt Romney would do a better job of handling the economy than President Obama. Those polled said that Rick Perry would do only slightly better than Obama, which mirrors the recent downturn in Perry's popularity.

Americans are still feeling shaky about the economy. What's going to be important in the upcoming election is not necessarily whether or not we think we're recovering (only 11 percent believe the economy is improving at this point,) but whether or not they think President Obama is leading us on the right track. If not, will Mitt Romney be the man to take on this task?

As the Republican race heats up and potential candidates are starting to clear the picture (see Palin, Christie,) more prominent candidates like Mitt Romney and Rick Perry are going to have to come up with more definitive plans for fixing the economy. Otherwise, Obama, despite his current low approval ratings, may win again.

(via Politico)

Sunday, October 2, 2011

"there are many men of principle in both parties in America, but there is no party of principle."

{quote by Alexis de Tocqueville}

When it comes to the dividing topic of political parties, I tend to shy away. However, if I were to choose a group I were more closely aligned with, I would say I learn towards Republican. This is probably based upon my parents' leanings, though I do have my own opinions about political principles. I believe in the basis of the Republican party, smaller government, because I believe that people should take responsiblity for their actions and the government should encourage such independence. Also, large government can become inefficient and redundant. In regards to economic policy, I also support Republican views (though I don't agree with the current zero-tax rhetoric.) As opposed to spending more on government programs, I think that we should make them more efficient. I also think that too many regulations are a burden to the success of businesses.

The quizzes we took in class pegged me as a Libertarian, which makes sense considering my often contradictory beliefs. I realize that this political philosophy is probably better on paper than in practice and logistics, but I am supportive of the Libertarian stance- socially liberal, financially conservative. What my political identification comes down to, though, really depends on the issue.

"occupy everything"

Amidst the aftermath of the Great Recession, many are questioning the workings of our economic system. This strife is becoming more and more evident as the 2012 election nears- and more and more citizens are vying to have their voices be heard.

In one such example, "Occupy Wall Street" protesters were arrested this weekend in Brooklyn. Their efforts are part of an ongoing demonstration that is now entering its fourth week, whose aim is to bring attention to "income inequality and corporate greed." On Saturday, they walked from their base in Zuccotti Park to the Brooklyn Bridge. As they attempted to cross, the marchers ran into trouble by failing to stay on the upper pedestrian walkway, instead walking in the road and thus disrupting traffic.

Naturally, a demonstration of this size has gained media coverage across the country. But these protesters aren't the only ones who have concerns over the state of the economy. Although it has been stated that the recession is over, the economy is still badly damaged, and many are questioning the policies that have been put in place in recent years. As the debates heat up and the presidential election draws nearer and nearer, candidates will have to convince voters that they have what it takes to revitalize the economy.

Republican hopefuls such as Rick Perry and Mitt Romney are holding fastiduously to their claims of no new taxes. Conversely, President Obama is working to convince the American public that higher taxes on the wealthy and several other measures will help us earn enough revenue to bounce back. Meanwhile, the rest of America will be waiting- and making our voices heard.

(via Time)