money.usnews.com
January 23, 2012
Emily Brandon
http://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/articles/2012/01/23/5-social-security-changes-coming-in-2012
Summary-
Social security recipients will soon experience some changes in how the program works for them. The current plan is to have those who qualify for social security to receive about $40 more per month. At the same time, the cap for people with large incomes to pay extra into social security has increased, meaning that fewer of the rich will be paying into the system. There is also supposed to be a possibility for the growth of social security savings over time, but some people who earn a significant amount will become ineligible for social security.
Connection-
This connects to class through a discussion regarding social security and other parts of the government that are a significant part of the American budget, and therefore the national debt. The national debt is very high, and some of the major areas of spending are in need of reevaluation. Congress has been reforming parts of Social Security to relieve some of the debt, and this appears to be the result of their efforts.
Personal Reaction-
Social Security costs too much to keep in the American budget. It is no longer effective, since there are now more people taking out of it than those that are paying into it, and if it continues to be funded America will have huge problems. It simply does not work to attempt to reduce a debt by funneling more money into a bottomless hole in the ground.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Gun Control
nytimes.com
March 20, 2012
Andrew Rosenthal
http://loyalopposition.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/20/shoot-first-claim-self-defense-later/?scp=2&sq=gun%20control&st=cse
Summary-
A widely publicized case currently being investigated in Florida involves the shooting of a seventeen year old boy by a man who is now claiming self-defense. It seems unlikely at this point that an unarmed teenager was threatening the life of the man, who followed the teen because he says he found him suspicious. The murder might have been racially motivated, as the teen was black. An odd twist to the story is that it may be difficult to prosecute the man, since Florida has laws that do not require people to retreat from threatening situations when possible, as most states do. Discussions on whether these laws allow people to potentially get away with murder unless the motive is absolutely proven have started to spring up.
Connection-
This links to class through the unit on interests groups. Interests groups must react to public events such as this, and the National Rifle Association has been mentioned more than a few times in relation to the murder. Loose gun control laws are pointed to as a possible factor of the crime, and the NRA may experience some negative media from it.
Personal Reaction-
The laws that do not require a person to simply run from danger instead of fixing the problem are not to blame, as every rule and law can be exploited, but rather the problem lies with a terrible man who decided to become a vigilante and shoot someone for no reason. The victim should not have died the way he did, but it does not seem reasonable to blame the problem on the laws or loose gun restrictions in Florida.
March 20, 2012
Andrew Rosenthal
http://loyalopposition.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/20/shoot-first-claim-self-defense-later/?scp=2&sq=gun%20control&st=cse
Summary-
A widely publicized case currently being investigated in Florida involves the shooting of a seventeen year old boy by a man who is now claiming self-defense. It seems unlikely at this point that an unarmed teenager was threatening the life of the man, who followed the teen because he says he found him suspicious. The murder might have been racially motivated, as the teen was black. An odd twist to the story is that it may be difficult to prosecute the man, since Florida has laws that do not require people to retreat from threatening situations when possible, as most states do. Discussions on whether these laws allow people to potentially get away with murder unless the motive is absolutely proven have started to spring up.
Connection-
This links to class through the unit on interests groups. Interests groups must react to public events such as this, and the National Rifle Association has been mentioned more than a few times in relation to the murder. Loose gun control laws are pointed to as a possible factor of the crime, and the NRA may experience some negative media from it.
Personal Reaction-
The laws that do not require a person to simply run from danger instead of fixing the problem are not to blame, as every rule and law can be exploited, but rather the problem lies with a terrible man who decided to become a vigilante and shoot someone for no reason. The victim should not have died the way he did, but it does not seem reasonable to blame the problem on the laws or loose gun restrictions in Florida.
Taxes
nytimes.com
March 16, 2012
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/17/opinion/a-republican-talks-sense-on-taxes.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=taxes&st=cse
Summary-
Some new ideas are emerging from the Republican side in Congress. New proposed bills involve a 5% surtax on income above $1 million, and an amendment to the constitution requiring a balanced budget. It is acknowledged that passing an amendment would be too difficult, but the ideas are still present. One problem, however, is creating wider support from both parties.
Connection-
Through a brief mention in class of how large just the interest on the federal debt is during a discussion about potentially large issues in the now current race for president, the article connects to class. Both parties seem to be aiming to present a more effective image to the American public, and President Obama is looking for the same thing. If a reasonable budget cutting bill were to pass, people would be fighting for the credit left and right.
Personal Reaction-
Nothing is going to pass that will significantly change the current budget cuts any time soon. Too much fighting happened over the most recent budget cutting attempts, and any that try to change things now are simply stirring up chaos in Congress, which already moves slowly without pointless attempts like this.
March 16, 2012
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/17/opinion/a-republican-talks-sense-on-taxes.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=taxes&st=cse
Summary-
Some new ideas are emerging from the Republican side in Congress. New proposed bills involve a 5% surtax on income above $1 million, and an amendment to the constitution requiring a balanced budget. It is acknowledged that passing an amendment would be too difficult, but the ideas are still present. One problem, however, is creating wider support from both parties.
Connection-
Through a brief mention in class of how large just the interest on the federal debt is during a discussion about potentially large issues in the now current race for president, the article connects to class. Both parties seem to be aiming to present a more effective image to the American public, and President Obama is looking for the same thing. If a reasonable budget cutting bill were to pass, people would be fighting for the credit left and right.
Personal Reaction-
Nothing is going to pass that will significantly change the current budget cuts any time soon. Too much fighting happened over the most recent budget cutting attempts, and any that try to change things now are simply stirring up chaos in Congress, which already moves slowly without pointless attempts like this.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Federal Budget
nytimes.com
March 12, 2012
Jonanthan Weisman
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/13/us/politics/gop-split-over-bid-to-revise-budget-deal.html?scp=4&sq=federal%20budget&st=cse
Summary-
Though the Republicans in Congress have officially decided to stick with a specific number on how much money the government should be allowed to spend in the face of the deficit, some of the more conservative Republicans would like to change the number to something even lower. The president, in light of the fact that it is an election year, is pressuring them not to bicker too much since it would look bad for everyone including him. Most Republicans are content with the number set and are willing to stick with it.
Connection-
This connects to class through the discussions about elections and the constituencies of those in office. The people voting want to see people who accomplish things while in office, and if no one in Washington can manage to keep to the things they have already agreed to, it will probably not gain those politicians favor. Politicians often will change their behavior in ways that the constituency will look favorably on right before elections, even if it might not do the most good.
Personal Reaction-
It would probably be best for the Republicans to keep to the agreement already in place, even if the budget should be lowered further. No one will agree to reopen the issue, and it would cause chaos to attempt it.
March 12, 2012
Jonanthan Weisman
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/13/us/politics/gop-split-over-bid-to-revise-budget-deal.html?scp=4&sq=federal%20budget&st=cse
Summary-
Though the Republicans in Congress have officially decided to stick with a specific number on how much money the government should be allowed to spend in the face of the deficit, some of the more conservative Republicans would like to change the number to something even lower. The president, in light of the fact that it is an election year, is pressuring them not to bicker too much since it would look bad for everyone including him. Most Republicans are content with the number set and are willing to stick with it.
Connection-
This connects to class through the discussions about elections and the constituencies of those in office. The people voting want to see people who accomplish things while in office, and if no one in Washington can manage to keep to the things they have already agreed to, it will probably not gain those politicians favor. Politicians often will change their behavior in ways that the constituency will look favorably on right before elections, even if it might not do the most good.
Personal Reaction-
It would probably be best for the Republicans to keep to the agreement already in place, even if the budget should be lowered further. No one will agree to reopen the issue, and it would cause chaos to attempt it.
Environment
nytimes.com
March 13, 2012
Matthew L. Wald
http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/13/slicing-silicon-thinner-to-cut-the-price-of-solar-cells/?scp=2&sq=environment&st=cse
Summary-
A new development by a company in California has been unveiled. This new method of creating thin strips of silicon will cut the costs of making a vital part of solar panels by 75%. The method involves shooting protons at the silicon instead of cutting it with diamond blades, which had been the previously most effective method of creating these silicon strips. This is a huge step in making solar panels affordable.
Connection-
Part of the issues faced by those running for president is how to address environmental concerns. As discussed in class during an analysis of concerns of voters, ways around dependency on foreign oil are a big concern. If a candidate could latch onto a newly cheap way to create an alternative energy source, they might stand a good chance in the election.
Personal Reaction-
It is a good day indeed when an environmentally friendly way to make energy becomes cheaper. These kinds of development are a step in the right direction for everyone. It would be great indeed if a presidential candidate latched onto the solar panel technology and made advancing it a part of their promises as a future president.
March 13, 2012
Matthew L. Wald
http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/13/slicing-silicon-thinner-to-cut-the-price-of-solar-cells/?scp=2&sq=environment&st=cse
Summary-
A new development by a company in California has been unveiled. This new method of creating thin strips of silicon will cut the costs of making a vital part of solar panels by 75%. The method involves shooting protons at the silicon instead of cutting it with diamond blades, which had been the previously most effective method of creating these silicon strips. This is a huge step in making solar panels affordable.
Connection-
Part of the issues faced by those running for president is how to address environmental concerns. As discussed in class during an analysis of concerns of voters, ways around dependency on foreign oil are a big concern. If a candidate could latch onto a newly cheap way to create an alternative energy source, they might stand a good chance in the election.
Personal Reaction-
It is a good day indeed when an environmentally friendly way to make energy becomes cheaper. These kinds of development are a step in the right direction for everyone. It would be great indeed if a presidential candidate latched onto the solar panel technology and made advancing it a part of their promises as a future president.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Economy
nytimes.com
March 7, 2012
Reuters
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/08/business/economy/private-sector-jobs-grew-in-february.html?_r=1&hp
Summary-
Hiring for countries in America has increased by much more than was expected around this time of year. Wages are also growing slightly more quickly than expected, and 216,000 jobs have been added to America's private sector. There is hope that this kind of growth will continue, but the future is still uncertain.
Connection-
This connects to discussions from class about issues that will affect the upcoming election. The economy is a huge factor, and if Obama wishes to retain his presidency, he should hope for a steadying of the economy. Candidates who promise big things with improving jobs and other economic factors will stand a better chance of winning, because that is what people care about.
Personal Reaction-
Obama will likely win the upcoming election due to an improving economy that has very little to do with him. People will likely be happier with a healing America, and not feel the need to make any changes in its leadership.
March 7, 2012
Reuters
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/08/business/economy/private-sector-jobs-grew-in-february.html?_r=1&hp
Summary-
Hiring for countries in America has increased by much more than was expected around this time of year. Wages are also growing slightly more quickly than expected, and 216,000 jobs have been added to America's private sector. There is hope that this kind of growth will continue, but the future is still uncertain.
Connection-
This connects to discussions from class about issues that will affect the upcoming election. The economy is a huge factor, and if Obama wishes to retain his presidency, he should hope for a steadying of the economy. Candidates who promise big things with improving jobs and other economic factors will stand a better chance of winning, because that is what people care about.
Personal Reaction-
Obama will likely win the upcoming election due to an improving economy that has very little to do with him. People will likely be happier with a healing America, and not feel the need to make any changes in its leadership.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Political Parties
nytimes.com
March 6, 2012
Jim Rutenberg and Jeff Zeleny
Summary-
Up until today, both Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum have been desperately trying to appeal to Ohio voters. Romney is hard pressed to appear as a middle class worker at this point, but he has made the point that he knows how to run businesses and to get more jobs to Americans. Rick Santorum, on the other hand, is trying to pull off the "I'm just like you," and keeps mentioning growing up in Pennsylvania.
Connection-
Voting is a science, as discussed in the class unit on electioneering, and takes certain strategies. Romney and Santorum are trying for different angles in order to win the primary in Ohio because they know that the same thing will not be effective for both of them. Everything matters, down to the color of their ties.
Personal Reaction-
It will be close, but it really looks as though Romney is going to win in Ohio. Ron Paul, unfortunately, does not have a chance. It will be extremely bad if Santorum wins, however.
March 6, 2012
Jim Rutenberg and Jeff Zeleny
Summary-
Up until today, both Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum have been desperately trying to appeal to Ohio voters. Romney is hard pressed to appear as a middle class worker at this point, but he has made the point that he knows how to run businesses and to get more jobs to Americans. Rick Santorum, on the other hand, is trying to pull off the "I'm just like you," and keeps mentioning growing up in Pennsylvania.
Connection-
Voting is a science, as discussed in the class unit on electioneering, and takes certain strategies. Romney and Santorum are trying for different angles in order to win the primary in Ohio because they know that the same thing will not be effective for both of them. Everything matters, down to the color of their ties.
Personal Reaction-
It will be close, but it really looks as though Romney is going to win in Ohio. Ron Paul, unfortunately, does not have a chance. It will be extremely bad if Santorum wins, however.
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