Does anyone think it's a coincidence that the banks which were part of this mess to begin with were closed today and the market did so well? I don't know if that makes sense to anyone, but I know what I'm trying to explain so just let me know what you think.
VoteGopher: On The Issues, Election 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Happy Time!
Even though the economy isn't my topic, I just want to let everyone know that the DOW went up 11% today gaining almost 1000 points throwing it back over 9000. This was the highest daily point gain for the DOW doubling the previous high.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Post for week 10/03/08
Hi everyone, This friday was the first presidential debate. The debate started of quite respectful and tranquil but started to get more and more heated as it went on. The first about 40 minutes was covering the economic crisis going on in the United States and even though this was not supposed to be about the crisis the debate covered many important issues. As the debate went on there were numerous repeated comments from each of the presidents. John McCain said Obama's biggest problem was his expierence, as always. Barack Obama said that McCain has been agreeing with President Bush's wrong doings for 8 years now. This fierce battle went on until the last seconds of the debate where they had to stop both Obama and McCain from talking anymore. My opinions on the debate were that both candidates did very well but Obama truly spoke more crisp and organized. The second thing I truly realized from this debate is that McCain all of a sudden seperates himself from the man he has been for the last 8 years and more. He has agreed with Bush and his ideas and decisions and It annoys me that he doubts having done this. John you cant dodge the bullet, youve agreed with many of Bush's horrible decisions. Just admit it and move on.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Is it the economy stupid?
OOOkkaaay.
Nice Job on the blog entries everyone (er--almost everyone). Good to be reminded that the contest is about more than the economy, though hard to tell given the latest news coverage. Here's my question: What's up with the $700 billion dollar bail-out for Wall Street? Is this a clearly needed economic fix or a too sweet deal for greedy gamblers? What do the candidates say?
Nice Job on the blog entries everyone (er--almost everyone). Good to be reminded that the contest is about more than the economy, though hard to tell given the latest news coverage. Here's my question: What's up with the $700 billion dollar bail-out for Wall Street? Is this a clearly needed economic fix or a too sweet deal for greedy gamblers? What do the candidates say?
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Connections
As I watched the presidential debate that occurred Friday night at the University of Mississippi, I realized several things about the candidates that I never noticed before. As both Senator McCain and Senator Obama were asked the opening questions about the economic downfall that is happening right now in America, I noticed that Obama was trying to connect McCain with the Bush administration and their failure to keep the economy strong. Obama tried to use the technique of linking McCain with the frowned upon Bush administration, in a way putting fear into the American people that John McCain will follow the policies of George Bush. McCain mostly focused on the plan of the 700 billion dollar bailout whereas Obama focused on the underlying issues of why the economy is in this crisis now, and how he will CHANGE old policies to make America a strong economic power. McCain also used the strategy of talking about past experience and past voting records, stating "look at the record." Obama rocked the first half an hour of the debate as a confident and strong orator and constantly reassuring the citizens of the United States that the economy is one of the top priorities for him. Although I am for Obama, I must say John McCain seemed experienced and knowledgeable when talking about foreign policies. In conclusion I do not believe there was a clear winner in the debate, although Obama seemed to be more focused on the camera, more engaged, and constantly making directly eye contact with us viewers. This debate did not seem to win the hearts of the undecided, but I'm sure the vice presidential debate will be an exciting thing to watch next.
All For Now,
-K
Friday, September 26, 2008
Economy
Ahh the economy, what to think? Boy oh boy these past few weeks have been quite the rollercoaster ride. From Fannie to Freddie, Leigmein to Bear the news has been awash with dismal financial analysis and hail marry passes from the government. But these events are not some new occurrence or some freak accident; this financial “meltdown” is merely the product of de regulation and Wall Streets almost psychotic pursuit of a larger bottom line.
Between 1999-2001 a series of sweeping legislation was passed essentially de regulated much of the banking and investment banking industries, in laymen terms the government basically took a hands off approach assuming the market was sophisticated enough to keep itself in equilibrium. This of course is the tried and true republican mantra, because of course less government is better government. At the same time a bubble in the housing market began to emerge, it is important to realize that in our capitalist free market system bubbles are perfectly normal. As housing prices began to skyrocket various banking instuitions began handing out loans to less and less applicable applicants that did not necessarily have the proper income or savings to back these promises, instead the hedged on the fact that no matter what ever year there house would be worth more, and could always be sold at a higher profit then when it was purchased. On top of this some households received variable rate home lowns, which essentially started at a low rate of interest (the amount paid back to the bank for profit) but were set by market factors.
At this point the market is flush with shaky credit, investment banks such as Bear Stearns lent money out at rates as high as 30 to 1, meaning for every actual dollar they had in the vault they lent out 30 more. So when people began to default on there loans and it became apparent that all this credit that the economy was relying on to sustain its growth was faulty it created a chain reaction sucking all the money out of the market.
Between 1999-2001 a series of sweeping legislation was passed essentially de regulated much of the banking and investment banking industries, in laymen terms the government basically took a hands off approach assuming the market was sophisticated enough to keep itself in equilibrium. This of course is the tried and true republican mantra, because of course less government is better government. At the same time a bubble in the housing market began to emerge, it is important to realize that in our capitalist free market system bubbles are perfectly normal. As housing prices began to skyrocket various banking instuitions began handing out loans to less and less applicable applicants that did not necessarily have the proper income or savings to back these promises, instead the hedged on the fact that no matter what ever year there house would be worth more, and could always be sold at a higher profit then when it was purchased. On top of this some households received variable rate home lowns, which essentially started at a low rate of interest (the amount paid back to the bank for profit) but were set by market factors.
At this point the market is flush with shaky credit, investment banks such as Bear Stearns lent money out at rates as high as 30 to 1, meaning for every actual dollar they had in the vault they lent out 30 more. So when people began to default on there loans and it became apparent that all this credit that the economy was relying on to sustain its growth was faulty it created a chain reaction sucking all the money out of the market.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Environment & Poverty
Environment:
The issue on environment covers: energy, global warming, endangered species, pollutions vs. cost control, and federal lands. Energy contains: ANWR that is The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, which is a protected area in Alaska that could supply oil and gas. It also includes Energy Conservation, which focuses on finding more efficient automobiles and appliances that do not require additional energy imports, or oil drilling. Lastly, the issue on energy includes the idea of alternative energy such as solar power, wind power, wave power, biomass power, and other alternative energy sources. Global warming contains the issues on global warming, climate change treaty, and Kyoto protocol. Most scientists believe that the greenhouse gases cause the rise in Earth’s temperatures, and that the government should regulate industry, and whether it will affect climate change. Endangered species contains issues on the endangered species ACT, which prohibits activities that harm endangered plants or animals or their environments. Pollution control vs. cost control, focus on the clean air act, the clean water act, and the CAFÉ standard, which required cars to maintain an average of 28 miles per gallon for all cars sold..
Poverty:
Individuals and families are considered impoverished if their pre-tax income falls below U.S. Census Bureau’s poverty threshold. The thresholds are based on two variables: the cost of the “economic food plan”, and evidence that a family of three or more send approx. one-third of their income on food. For example in 1963 the measure of the threshold for a family of four was $3,128 spent on food. Today the same family would need an income of more than $17,029 to be above the poverty line. Meaning in order to survive a family would need an income of three times the cost of the economy food plan. The poverty rate in 2005 was 12.6%. The poverty rate in 2005 for children under 18 was 17.6%. In 1995, 88% of poor children received food stamps, but by 1998 the number dropped to 70%.
The issue on environment covers: energy, global warming, endangered species, pollutions vs. cost control, and federal lands. Energy contains: ANWR that is The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, which is a protected area in Alaska that could supply oil and gas. It also includes Energy Conservation, which focuses on finding more efficient automobiles and appliances that do not require additional energy imports, or oil drilling. Lastly, the issue on energy includes the idea of alternative energy such as solar power, wind power, wave power, biomass power, and other alternative energy sources. Global warming contains the issues on global warming, climate change treaty, and Kyoto protocol. Most scientists believe that the greenhouse gases cause the rise in Earth’s temperatures, and that the government should regulate industry, and whether it will affect climate change. Endangered species contains issues on the endangered species ACT, which prohibits activities that harm endangered plants or animals or their environments. Pollution control vs. cost control, focus on the clean air act, the clean water act, and the CAFÉ standard, which required cars to maintain an average of 28 miles per gallon for all cars sold..
Poverty:
Individuals and families are considered impoverished if their pre-tax income falls below U.S. Census Bureau’s poverty threshold. The thresholds are based on two variables: the cost of the “economic food plan”, and evidence that a family of three or more send approx. one-third of their income on food. For example in 1963 the measure of the threshold for a family of four was $3,128 spent on food. Today the same family would need an income of more than $17,029 to be above the poverty line. Meaning in order to survive a family would need an income of three times the cost of the economy food plan. The poverty rate in 2005 was 12.6%. The poverty rate in 2005 for children under 18 was 17.6%. In 1995, 88% of poor children received food stamps, but by 1998 the number dropped to 70%.
Obama & McCain on Tax Reform
Both presidential candidates reflect and entirely different approach to tax reform in the United States. Barack Obama believes that any changes to the tax code should reflect the needs and concerns of middle class America. In his September 12th speech in New Hampshire on tax reform, Obama stated, "My plan will cut taxes to a smaller share of the economy then they were under president Reagan. Under my plan, income taxes for typical American families will pay lower taxes then they did under Bill Clinton." Obama aims to support the working families instead of well off corporations. Based on the current economic standpoint, Obama believes raising taxes on middle class America is the worst idea. His plan includes a 95% tax cut for American workers and small business owners who deserve it, in place of tax breaks for large corporations. Obama's current tax reform plan provides middle class families with three times as much tax relief then under McCain's plan, which gives nothing to a hundred million households. McCain plans to give tax cuts to wealthy American's, but also lower taxes for middle class families. He hopes to repeal the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), that is paid by almost twenty-million middle class Americans. This would save middle class America sixty billion in a single year. Under McCain's plan, middle class families with children, who are positioned to pay the AMT, will save an estimated $2,700. A supporter of the current Bush tax rates, McCain plans to make the Bush income and investment tax cuts permanent if he becomes president. This continues a majority of tax cuts for the wealthy and affluent corporations. The real question is if McCain would be able to make the Bush tax rate system permanent and still fullfill his promises to middle class America.
Barack or McCain? qué hacemos? 什么我们做? ce qui nous font?
Immigration has been a problem in the U.S. from the nineteenth century, twentieth century and 1965 period. Illegal immigration in the U.S. is somebody who is passes national borders and is not a citizen of the U.S. Three ways of illegal immigration is a person who stays in the U.S. with a legal visa and overstays, border crossing card, and a person who crosses the border. In nineteenth century there was a influx of northern Europeans. In twentieth century there was an influx of southern and eastern Europeans and in 1965 there was an influx of Latinos and Asians. Today the main concern is the border in Mexico which is bringing influx of Hispanics.
Obama is a supporter for border security and also believes that there is need for some fencing but believes technology will be key to decrease illegal immigration. Obama believes that illegal immigrants who have not committed crimes, pay a fine, learn English should be eligible for citizenship. Obama is uncertain about guest worker programs because he believes that they will lower American wages and created a lower class of workers. Obama also believes in illegal immigrants having driver licenses. Obama believes that they should not increase jobs but believes in family reunification which is reuniting with your family. Obama also supports the DREAM act which gives college tuition for children who have been here since they were younger than 15 years old.
McCain on the other hand feels that illegal immigration is one of his first task to complete. McCain favors increased border security and also believes in citizenship for illegal immigrants and would take the same steps as Obama. Unlike Obama, McCain favors guest worker programs but dislikes family reunification. But his main concern is security before he wants to help illegal immigration. He main interest is in the security of the people and therefore would not pass the dream act if the safety of the people wasn't secure.
Obama is a supporter for border security and also believes that there is need for some fencing but believes technology will be key to decrease illegal immigration. Obama believes that illegal immigrants who have not committed crimes, pay a fine, learn English should be eligible for citizenship. Obama is uncertain about guest worker programs because he believes that they will lower American wages and created a lower class of workers. Obama also believes in illegal immigrants having driver licenses. Obama believes that they should not increase jobs but believes in family reunification which is reuniting with your family. Obama also supports the DREAM act which gives college tuition for children who have been here since they were younger than 15 years old.
McCain on the other hand feels that illegal immigration is one of his first task to complete. McCain favors increased border security and also believes in citizenship for illegal immigrants and would take the same steps as Obama. Unlike Obama, McCain favors guest worker programs but dislikes family reunification. But his main concern is security before he wants to help illegal immigration. He main interest is in the security of the people and therefore would not pass the dream act if the safety of the people wasn't secure.
Obama & Mccain join Bush in DC
Just to make things clear about whether Bush invited Barack to the white house or not, both Obama & Mccain went down today for their first meeting concerning the economic crisis. The meeting was only open to the public for one minute, until they closed the doors.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080925/ap_on_go_pr_wh/white_house_scene
As for poverty:
This is a huge issue that needs to be addressed,
"Around the world, 27-30,000 children die every day. That is equivalent to 1 child dying every 3 seconds, 20 children dying every minute, a 2004 Asian Tsunami occurring almost every week, or 10-11 million children dying every year. Over 50 million children died between 2000-2005. The silent killers are poverty, easily preventable diseases and illnesses, and other related causes. In spite of the scale of this daily, ongoing catastrophe, it ralely manages to achieve, much less sustain, prime-time, headline coverage."
We know things like this happen every day, and that people all over the world are living in these conditions, and we are yet to do anything about it. Is that morally right?
Economy.........Everyones Favorite
So we all know that McCain has suspended his campaign for the problems going on in the economy. But what we did not talk about was how Obama is dealing with the situation. Both candidates have agreed to put aside the partisan politics (the nonsense we have all been talking about and watching through the commercials) where one only supports their party, and everyone is trying to work together. The two candidates are set to meet with the president to talk about the crisis either Friday or sometime over the weekend (pending if the debate happens, and what Mccain decides to do).
However........ Christopher Dodd has announced to the congress that both parties have agreed on the outline of a $700 billion bail out plan to releive the markets. It's just a "fundamental agreemnt" though, and it hasn't seemed to hit the stock brokers and wallstreet brains yet because the S & P Futures are still down 130 points for the Dow, and down 14 in the S & P. That's probably nonsense to most of you, but it means the stock market is still going down, quickly and steadily.
Some say if they had bought mortgage securities a year ago the country would have paid less than HALF of what they are forced to pay now, and the mortgage rate would have lowered quicker and cheaper. The CDS (credit default swaps) are also an important aspect of the economy that now needs to be dealt with before the market can regain its stronghold on top.
Both candidates are trying to figure out ways to help the economy, as well as working with president Bush to try and figure out the best way to help the economy. I'm interested to see what everyone else thinks we should do. Do you think $700 billion sounds like a very large sum of money? Do you think the plan should continue even though the markets going down?
However........ Christopher Dodd has announced to the congress that both parties have agreed on the outline of a $700 billion bail out plan to releive the markets. It's just a "fundamental agreemnt" though, and it hasn't seemed to hit the stock brokers and wallstreet brains yet because the S & P Futures are still down 130 points for the Dow, and down 14 in the S & P. That's probably nonsense to most of you, but it means the stock market is still going down, quickly and steadily.
Some say if they had bought mortgage securities a year ago the country would have paid less than HALF of what they are forced to pay now, and the mortgage rate would have lowered quicker and cheaper. The CDS (credit default swaps) are also an important aspect of the economy that now needs to be dealt with before the market can regain its stronghold on top.
Both candidates are trying to figure out ways to help the economy, as well as working with president Bush to try and figure out the best way to help the economy. I'm interested to see what everyone else thinks we should do. Do you think $700 billion sounds like a very large sum of money? Do you think the plan should continue even though the markets going down?
homeland security and environment
Homeland security is a federal agency whose mission is to prevent acts of terrorism in the United States. The term became more common after the September 11 attacks. Some of the things homeland security is responsible for are: preparing for terrorism and natural disasters, domestic intelligence, border security, and transportation security. Barack Obama believes that America needs to pay more attention the homeland security. He supports efforts to distribute more funds to cities that are at the biggest risk of a terrorist attack. John McCain supports the development of natural missile defenses, believing that they are critical in order to protect America.
There are many environmental issues, including global warming, energy conservation, pollution, and the depletion of resources. John McCain believes that our economic prospects depend upon the use of unspoiled natural resources. Barack Obama promotes green technologies and fuel efficiency standards.
There are many environmental issues, including global warming, energy conservation, pollution, and the depletion of resources. John McCain believes that our economic prospects depend upon the use of unspoiled natural resources. Barack Obama promotes green technologies and fuel efficiency standards.
SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
So the big question is...Why, by 2017 is social security going to fall short by 27 trillion dollars? One of the answers is the promise of benefits that just aren't feasible. What is one thing that everyone worries about? The security of their future. Who wouldn't like someone promising more benefits? Sure you would! Thats why politicians say they'll your benefits, however we just can handle that.
Now I know what your thinking: "but Taylor, everyone puts money into the social security system, why cant they just get out what they put in...?"
Because theres no money in the system. WHATTT?!? Your wondering what happened to all our money that we have been putting in there...well our lovely government decided to spend it all and write us, the people, an I.O.U. The government figured that people are constantly putting money in this trust fund, however they wont be taking it out for a long time, so when the government needed money for various things they took it from the fund and left a nice little I.O.U in its place. The trouble is, an I.O.U slip is worthless with the economy in the state thats in in right now, the government cant afford to pay it back.
Well then we should just let people be in charge of their own money, right?
Well this is the big question. A good amount of people think this would be beneficial to the individual, however it would probably hurt the government considering they could then no longer stick their fingers into our pockets whenever they were a few billion dollars short. But on the other hand, if people who have control of their investments chances are a lot of them will make bad investment choices and then be screwed, being 70 years old with no money doesn't leave many options.
So the struggle continues...who will win...tune in next time...
Abortion
The first abortion laws in the United States started during the 1820's. These laws made it illegal to get an abortion after the fourth month of pregnancy. During 1873 the Comstock law was passed which banned birth control and any information about birth control. By 1900 abortion was illegal in most of the US. Even so, it is estimated that illegal abortions were preformed as many as 1.2 million times per year. These abortions were often preformed by untrained doctors, which let to death or serious injury. Between 1967 and 1973 abortion laws were repealed in one third of the US and by 1973 abortion was legal in all states. Barack Obama is pro choice meaning that he believes that women deserve the right to decide for themselves if an abortion is necessary. He also believes that states should restrict late term abortions. John McCain believes that abortion should be illegal in the cases of rape, incest, and if the woman's life is in danger.
Waterboarding Technique
The Waterboarding Technique is a simple technique yet horrible none the less. All that is needed is a cloth or plastic wrap and water. One will place the the cloth or plastic wrap over the subjects mouth and put water on there face. This gives the subject the feeling of being drowning with out the danger of killing the subject.
Diffrent opinions on Gun control
Gun control is considered a big factor in the election. Therefore, I've decided to show the major candidates views on this issue, as well as my personal opinions about it. I should also mention that all this information was gained from ontheissues.org and is simply put together so people can compare the candidates ideas more easily as well as getting my weekly blog done :).
OBAMA's gun policy (most important ones):
: Is the D.C. law prohibiting ownership of handguns consistent with an individual's right to bear arms?
A: As a general principle, I believe that the Constitution confers an individual right to bear arms. But just because you have an individual right does not mean that the state or local government can't constrain the exercise of that right, in the same way that we have a right to private property but local governments can establish zoning ordinances that determine how you can use it.
Q: But do you still favor the registration & licensing of guns?
A: I think we can provide common-sense approaches to the issue of illegal guns that are ending up on the streets. We can make sure that criminals don't have guns in their hands. We can make certain that those who are mentally deranged are not getting a hold of handguns. We can trace guns that have been used in crimes to unscrupulous gun dealers that may be selling to straw purchasers and dumping them on the streets.
Do you support state legislation to:
a. ban the manufacture, sale and possession of handguns? Yes.
b. ban assault weapons? Yes.
c. mandatory waiting periods and background checks? Yes.
Q: You said recently, "I have no intention of taking away folks' guns." But you support the D.C. handgun ban, and you've said that it's constitutional. How do you reconcile those two positions?
A: Because I think we have two conflicting traditions in this country. I think it's important for us to recognize that we've got a tradition of handgun ownership and gun ownership generally. And a lot of law-abiding citizens use it for hunting, for sportsmanship, and for protecting their families. We also have a violence on the streets that is the result of illegal handgun usage. And so I think there is nothing wrong with a community saying we are going to take those illegal handguns off the streets. And cracking down on the various loopholes that exist in terms of background checks for children, the mentally ill. We can have reasonable, thoughtful gun control measure that I think respect the Second Amendment and people's traditions.
Q: When you were in the state senate, you talked about licensing and registering gun owners. Would you do that as president?
A: I don't think that we can get that done. But what we can do is to provide just some common-sense enforcement. The efforts by law enforcement to obtain the information required to trace back guns that have been used in crimes to unscrupulous gun dealers. As president, I intend to make it happen. We essentially have two realities, when it comes to guns, in this country. You've got the tradition of lawful gun ownership. It is very important for many Americans to be able to hunt, fish, take their kids out, and teach them how to shoot. Then you've got the reality of 34 Chicago public school students who get shot down on the streets of Chicago. We can reconcile those two realities by making sure the Second Amendment is respected and that people are able to lawfully own guns, but that we also start cracking down on the kinds of abuses of firearms that we see on the streets.
JOHN MCCAIN's gun policy (most important ones):
Prosecute criminals, not citizens for gun ownership
John McCain believes that the right of law abiding citizens to keep and bear arms is a fundamental, individual Constitutional right. We have a responsibility to ensure that criminals who violate the law are prosecuted to the fullest, rather than restricting the rights of law abiding citizens. Gun control is a proven failure in fighting crime. Law abiding citizens should not be asked to give up their rights because of criminals--criminals who ignore gun control laws anyway.
* McCain opposes restrictions on so-called "assault rifles" and voted consistently against such bans.
* McCain opposes bans on the importation of certain types of ammunition magazines and has voted against such limitations.
* McCain believes that banning ammunition is just another way to undermine Second Amendment rights. He voted against an amendment that would have banned many of the most commonly used hunting cartridges on the spurious grounds that they were "armor-piercing."
McCain favors outlawing cheaply made handguns called Saturday night specials, and favors mandating safety locks on certain guns. He said he is intrigued by new technology that electronically identifies a person handling a gun, allowing only the owner to fire it
Guns are a problem, but so are violent web sites & videos
If you want to take every gun in and dump it in the ocean, I’ll still take you to a Web site where it teaches children how to build a pipe bomb. And I’ll take you to a Web site where the worst kind of hate language that is terribly offensive to all of us exists. I can take you to a video game being sold to our children where the object of the game is to kill police. I understand the importance of weapons, but to define that as being the major cause [of youth violence], there’s a whole lot of causes.
McCain has introduced the “Youth Violence Prevention Act.”
* The legislation would: prevent juveniles from illegal access to weapons and punish those who would assist them in doing so
* prohibit juveniles who commit acts of gun violence from purchasing guns in the future
* sentence juveniles convicted of violent crimes under adult guidelines
* and punish juveniles who illegally carry or use handguns in schools.
RON PAUL's policy on gun control (most important ones):
Let airlines make rules about passenger guns to fight terror
Q: You have said that the 9/11 attackers might have had second thoughts if they'd felt that some of the passengers aboard the airplanes might have been armed.
A: You're quoting me incorrectly. I said the responsibility for protecting passengers falls with the airline, not the government--and not the passengers. The airline's responsible for the aircraft and the passengers. If we wouldn't have been dependent on the federal government to set all the rules, which meant no guns & no resistance, then the terrorists may well have had second thoughts, because the airlines would have had the responsibility. But we assumed the government was going to take care of us. After 9/11, instead of moving toward the direction of personal responsibility & private property & 2nd amendment, we moved in the opposite direction. We turned it over to the federal government. Private industry protects their property all the time. But here is one example when the federal government was involved and they messed it up.
* Indicate which principles you support concerning gun issues. Ease procedures on the purchase and registration of firearms.
* Repeal all bans and measures that restrict law-abiding citizens from owning legally-obtained firearms.
* Indicate which principles you support concerning gun issues. Allow law-abiding citizens to carry concealed firearms that are legally owned and registered.
* Repeal all bans and measures that restrict law-abiding citizens from owning legally-obtained firearms.
Voted NO on prohibiting product misuse lawsuits on gun manufacturers.
A bill to prohibit civil liability actions from being brought or continued against manufacturers, distributors, dealers, or importers of firearms or ammunition for damages, injunctive or other relief resulting from the misuse of their products by others. A YES vote would:
* Prohibit individuals from filing a qualified civil liability action
* Exempt lawsuits brought against individuals who knowingly transfer a firearm that will be used to commit a violent or drug-trafficking crime
* Exempt lawsuits against actions that result in death, physical injury or property damage due solely to a product defect
* Dismiss of all civil liability actions pending on the date of enactment
* Prohibit the manufacture, import, sale or delivery of armor piercing ammunition
Alright, this is my first version. Hopefully I'll be able to edit it
-damnimigrantscominghereallthewayfromswedenthinkingtheycandowhattheywant
also, there’s a 99% chance I messed up on grammar/spelling
OBAMA's gun policy (most important ones):
: Is the D.C. law prohibiting ownership of handguns consistent with an individual's right to bear arms?
A: As a general principle, I believe that the Constitution confers an individual right to bear arms. But just because you have an individual right does not mean that the state or local government can't constrain the exercise of that right, in the same way that we have a right to private property but local governments can establish zoning ordinances that determine how you can use it.
Q: But do you still favor the registration & licensing of guns?
A: I think we can provide common-sense approaches to the issue of illegal guns that are ending up on the streets. We can make sure that criminals don't have guns in their hands. We can make certain that those who are mentally deranged are not getting a hold of handguns. We can trace guns that have been used in crimes to unscrupulous gun dealers that may be selling to straw purchasers and dumping them on the streets.
Do you support state legislation to:
a. ban the manufacture, sale and possession of handguns? Yes.
b. ban assault weapons? Yes.
c. mandatory waiting periods and background checks? Yes.
Q: You said recently, "I have no intention of taking away folks' guns." But you support the D.C. handgun ban, and you've said that it's constitutional. How do you reconcile those two positions?
A: Because I think we have two conflicting traditions in this country. I think it's important for us to recognize that we've got a tradition of handgun ownership and gun ownership generally. And a lot of law-abiding citizens use it for hunting, for sportsmanship, and for protecting their families. We also have a violence on the streets that is the result of illegal handgun usage. And so I think there is nothing wrong with a community saying we are going to take those illegal handguns off the streets. And cracking down on the various loopholes that exist in terms of background checks for children, the mentally ill. We can have reasonable, thoughtful gun control measure that I think respect the Second Amendment and people's traditions.
Q: When you were in the state senate, you talked about licensing and registering gun owners. Would you do that as president?
A: I don't think that we can get that done. But what we can do is to provide just some common-sense enforcement. The efforts by law enforcement to obtain the information required to trace back guns that have been used in crimes to unscrupulous gun dealers. As president, I intend to make it happen. We essentially have two realities, when it comes to guns, in this country. You've got the tradition of lawful gun ownership. It is very important for many Americans to be able to hunt, fish, take their kids out, and teach them how to shoot. Then you've got the reality of 34 Chicago public school students who get shot down on the streets of Chicago. We can reconcile those two realities by making sure the Second Amendment is respected and that people are able to lawfully own guns, but that we also start cracking down on the kinds of abuses of firearms that we see on the streets.
JOHN MCCAIN's gun policy (most important ones):
Prosecute criminals, not citizens for gun ownership
John McCain believes that the right of law abiding citizens to keep and bear arms is a fundamental, individual Constitutional right. We have a responsibility to ensure that criminals who violate the law are prosecuted to the fullest, rather than restricting the rights of law abiding citizens. Gun control is a proven failure in fighting crime. Law abiding citizens should not be asked to give up their rights because of criminals--criminals who ignore gun control laws anyway.
* McCain opposes restrictions on so-called "assault rifles" and voted consistently against such bans.
* McCain opposes bans on the importation of certain types of ammunition magazines and has voted against such limitations.
* McCain believes that banning ammunition is just another way to undermine Second Amendment rights. He voted against an amendment that would have banned many of the most commonly used hunting cartridges on the spurious grounds that they were "armor-piercing."
McCain favors outlawing cheaply made handguns called Saturday night specials, and favors mandating safety locks on certain guns. He said he is intrigued by new technology that electronically identifies a person handling a gun, allowing only the owner to fire it
Guns are a problem, but so are violent web sites & videos
If you want to take every gun in and dump it in the ocean, I’ll still take you to a Web site where it teaches children how to build a pipe bomb. And I’ll take you to a Web site where the worst kind of hate language that is terribly offensive to all of us exists. I can take you to a video game being sold to our children where the object of the game is to kill police. I understand the importance of weapons, but to define that as being the major cause [of youth violence], there’s a whole lot of causes.
McCain has introduced the “Youth Violence Prevention Act.”
* The legislation would: prevent juveniles from illegal access to weapons and punish those who would assist them in doing so
* prohibit juveniles who commit acts of gun violence from purchasing guns in the future
* sentence juveniles convicted of violent crimes under adult guidelines
* and punish juveniles who illegally carry or use handguns in schools.
RON PAUL's policy on gun control (most important ones):
Let airlines make rules about passenger guns to fight terror
Q: You have said that the 9/11 attackers might have had second thoughts if they'd felt that some of the passengers aboard the airplanes might have been armed.
A: You're quoting me incorrectly. I said the responsibility for protecting passengers falls with the airline, not the government--and not the passengers. The airline's responsible for the aircraft and the passengers. If we wouldn't have been dependent on the federal government to set all the rules, which meant no guns & no resistance, then the terrorists may well have had second thoughts, because the airlines would have had the responsibility. But we assumed the government was going to take care of us. After 9/11, instead of moving toward the direction of personal responsibility & private property & 2nd amendment, we moved in the opposite direction. We turned it over to the federal government. Private industry protects their property all the time. But here is one example when the federal government was involved and they messed it up.
* Indicate which principles you support concerning gun issues. Ease procedures on the purchase and registration of firearms.
* Repeal all bans and measures that restrict law-abiding citizens from owning legally-obtained firearms.
* Indicate which principles you support concerning gun issues. Allow law-abiding citizens to carry concealed firearms that are legally owned and registered.
* Repeal all bans and measures that restrict law-abiding citizens from owning legally-obtained firearms.
Voted NO on prohibiting product misuse lawsuits on gun manufacturers.
A bill to prohibit civil liability actions from being brought or continued against manufacturers, distributors, dealers, or importers of firearms or ammunition for damages, injunctive or other relief resulting from the misuse of their products by others. A YES vote would:
* Prohibit individuals from filing a qualified civil liability action
* Exempt lawsuits brought against individuals who knowingly transfer a firearm that will be used to commit a violent or drug-trafficking crime
* Exempt lawsuits against actions that result in death, physical injury or property damage due solely to a product defect
* Dismiss of all civil liability actions pending on the date of enactment
* Prohibit the manufacture, import, sale or delivery of armor piercing ammunition
Alright, this is my first version. Hopefully I'll be able to edit it
-damnimigrantscominghereallthewayfromswedenthinkingtheycandowhattheywant
also, there’s a 99% chance I messed up on grammar/spelling
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The Colbert Report
Steven Colbert: I knew this was a problem, but I had no idea the scope of it until I watched the Sunday shows. Look at what Arlen Specter said at 10:03 on Sunday morning.
Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa.: We have approximately 11 million undocumented aliens here.
Steven Colbert: Now look at what Ted Kennedy said at 10:33.
Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass.: There are 12 million individuals that are here in the United States.
Colbert: One million illegals snuck into this country in half an hour.
Jay Leno: Well, the good news is Congress is cracking down on illegal immigration. The bad news, a head of lettuce will now cost $300.
Leno: You know this problem of illegal immigration is nothing new. This, we've had this for a long time. In fact, the Indians had a special name for it. They called it "white people." Yeah, same, same thing.
What's Up With The Immigrants?
Immigration has been a problem since the late 1800's when Immigrants from all over Europe came to Ellis Island. Illegal immigration is when the Immigrant violates the laws of the destination country. Although thought to be miniscule person by person, the effect of large groups of illegal immigrants can be extremely detrimental to a particular country.
Both McCain and Obama agreed on the Bush-backed immigration reform legislation. This legislation would have increased funding and improved border security technology, improved enforcement of existing laws, and provided a legal path to citizenship for some illegal immigrants. They both also voted to authorize construction for a 700 mile long fence along the US/Mexico border. McCain voted yes on limiting welfare for immigrants, on granting visas for skilled workers, allowing more foreign workers into the US for farm work, allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security, on giving Guest Workers a path to citizenship, establishing a stable Guest Worker program, and declaring English as the official language of the US government. Obama also voted yes on the Social Security, giving workers a path to citizenship, establishing a Worker program but differed on declaring English as the official language of the US government. Obama also wants to continue federal funds for declared sanctuary cities.
Obama believes that legal immigrants who have served for the US should have expedited procedures towards citizenship and that illegal immigrants can apply for drivers licenses.
McCain wants to institute targeted auditing by the Department of Labor in order to weed out the companies abusing illegal immigrants and ensure that high skilled workers trained and educated in the US have an easier path to citizenship.
McCain, Palin? Obama, Biden? Why don't we just all be "gay"?
Gay Rights... When we first think about this or even debate about it most people think that the main subject of controversy is the right to be married to a person who is the same gender, but in this election that is only ONE of the issues that gay couples, even gay singles, are worried about. According to Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, homosexuals should receive "special legislation" on same sex health benefits (Nov 2006) and there should be no spousal benefits for same sex couples. (Jul 2006). Although recently Palin has vetoed a bill denying benefits to gays (Aug 2008), she is still standing strong to her belief of denying benefits to homosexual couples. Although her top priority is to preserve the definition of marriage, 46% of Americans believe that there is no real definition of marriage, and gays should be legally wed. (www.onlinepersonalswatch.com/news/2008/01/americans-revea.html). Palin's running mate seems to have a less conservative view on gay rights. McCain believes that marriage should only be between a man and a woman (Jul 2008), but when confronted with the issue of same gender marriage , he believes that it should be left up to state to decide. (Jan 2007). McCain even said that he would be "comfortable" with a gay president. Our Democratic presidential candidate for this years election, Barack Obama, is more a conservative about this issue then most people probably think. Although radically left compared to Palin, Obama does not support gay marriage. He does although support civil unions. In an interview with the Chicago Daily Tribune, Obama said, "I'm a Christain. And so, although I try not to have my religious beliefs dominate my political views on this issue, I do believe that my tradition, and my religious beliefs say that marriage is something sanctified between a man and a woman." Despite the fact that Obama believes gays should not marry, he believes gays should not be discriminated and should have the right to adopt like any heterosexual couple. (Unlike the Republican candidates.) Obama is not planning on making gay marriage illegal in America, but AGREES with McCain when stating, we should leave it up to the states. So, we can draw the conclusion that Obama AND McCain don't necessarily want change when it comes to gay MARRIAGE, but Obama certainly believes that gays should have the same benefits as us heterosexuals.
My opinion, Obama sums it up pretty well: "Giving gays rights would allow them to experience their relationship and live their lives in a way that doesn't cause discrimination, I think it is the right balance to strike this society." (Chicago Daily Tribune, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force).
As I searched for information about civil rights, specifically gay rights I realized this not an important issue for everyone, but when I would come across a great website that agrees with the idea of gay rights, I realize that it is a VERY important issue for some Americans, and the way they live depends on these liberties. As I continue my search on different debates about gay rights I will certainly post.
Thats all for now
- K
Back to Abortion..
I'm interested in hearing what everyone personally thinks about abortion. As most know Obama is pro choice, meaning he thinks that the woman should be able to decide for herself whether she needs/wants an abortion, and McCain is pro life, meaning that he thinks once conception a fetus is a child and abortion is thus a form of murder and should not be an option. His VP Palin thinks that abortions should not occur even if a woman is raped or incest has occurred. (is that not a little crazy!!) She thinks abortion should only occur if the mother would be killed during childbirth. Personally I'm waaayy pro choice. What do the rest of you think?
Abortion/Death Penalty
Abortion is the removal or expulsion of a mammailian embryo or fetus from the uterus, causing its death. An Abortion can occur spntaneousley due to complications during pregnancy or can be done on purpose to terminate the embryo or fetus. Abortion is a huge argument throughout the United States and the main question is whether these embryo's/Fetus's are already humans. Do these pre-babies have brains and think or feel about what is happening or going to happen? This argument has been going on for a long time and has become a huge debate in the presidential campaign.
Death Penalty also known as Capital Punishment is the execution of a person by the state as punishment for a crime. The crimes which people are usually executed for are capital offenses or capital crimes. Some crimes that are put into these categories are rapists and murderers. The argument is based around is there any crime serious enough to make it necessary to execute someone and take away their life or could one simply pay for their crime by remaining in jail for the rest of their life.
Both of these issues have people taking both sides and have been a controversy for a long time and will most likely continue to be.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Cancer of the Month
People have been talking about McCain's age since he's been in the running for candidacy saying he's too old for the job so adding a terminal illness rumor on top of the old age just adds to the idea that he's not gonna make it four years in the White House if elected, but that's just my view.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
i haven't heard anything about McCain having cancer and yes Palin would be president but i don't think she is suited for presidency with her experience. If anyone is interested in the polls Obama and McCain are about tied up. I'd like to know peoples opinion on Immigration because I feel that's a big topic to me and also their opinion on Iraq war?
Hi Everyone, I heard and I dont recall where from, that John McCain has cancer of the month. This cancer is supposed to let a person live for about two years. If McCain did win the election, and died a little over a year later, Sarah Palin would then become president. One has anybody else heard this and two if that did happen would Palin become president?
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Obama 08
I am a registered Democratic and i think Obama is my ideal candidate for me Because of his ideas on the war in Iraq.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
WELCOME TO THE ROSS SCHOOL'S ELECTION 2008 BLOG!!
What a year! This is one of the most interesting elections in history...woman on one ticket, person of color on the other, incredible polarization of the American electorate, media fog of info (read this)...who knows what's going on?
Let's add our voices to the cacophony out there in internet-land and see if we can further confuse media consumers. If you don't know what to write about, make something up--everyone else does (joke. Not really. Keep it honest and reasoned).
Let's add our voices to the cacophony out there in internet-land and see if we can further confuse media consumers. If you don't know what to write about, make something up--everyone else does (joke. Not really. Keep it honest and reasoned).
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