look at the mess

Mike Luckovich's cartoon depicts what we assume to be wealthy businessmen looking down upon the recently evacuated Occupy Wall Street camp at Zuccotti Park. The businessmen are situated on top of a large pile of collapsed Wall Street buildings, representing the U.S. financial collapse. The destruction created by the bankers looms over the meager campsite at Zuccotte Park, which has only a few tents. The irony of the businessman's comment- "Look at the mess those protesters left behind"- emphasizes hypocrisy and skewed perspectives of the wealthy on Wall Street who have contributed to many of the problems that caused the Occupy Wall Street protests.

This cartoon emphasizes the obscene power that many of the businessmen of America hold, compared to the average citizens found among the Occupy Wall Street protests. Additionally, this cartoon serves as a commentary on the disparity between the crimes and related consequences of the protesters and those of the investors. Lastly, the businessmen are almost blind to the results of their actions, instead focusing on the "mess" the protesters have left behind. Luckovich's point of view is similar to that of many left-leaning, or even average, Americans in his understanding of the injustice of the financial market as it is today. Many Americans feel that the mess made in the wake of the financial collapse of 2008 has yet to be cleaned up, and efforts by protesters to raise awareness about the situation have been quickly dismissed.

"i stand before you today... united with you to restoring our nation and reviving the american dream."

{quote by Rick Perry}

Though many (myself included) have dismissed Rick Perry due to his poor debate performances and series of campaign missteps, he is a plausible "anti-Romney" Republican candidate. He has a strong record of reform in Texas, where he has served as governor, and he also has strong leadership qualities. He has stuck by his ideals, defending his claim that Social Security is a "Ponzi-scheme." For better or for worse, this kind of kind of dedication to policy goals may resonate with voters. If people start to focus on these things as opposed to the mishaps the press focuses on, Perry could have a good shot at the Republican nomination.

However, Perry's campaign could most definetely go in the opposite direction. Some of the qualities that could draw people towards him could also push voters away: his steadfast conservative radicalism (as evidenced by his plans to cut governmental departments and programs) and his record in Texas may bode poorly with many moderate voters. Furthermore, with President Bush's term still fresh in Americans' minds, many voters may be wary of electing a similar figure like Perry into office.

"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)

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)

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."