Thursday, January 12, 2012

Political Cartoon 6

Questions
1. Are republicans always against what ever Obama does?
2. Why do republicans repeal everything Obama throws at them?
3. How can we get the republicans to be more cooperative?

Monday, January 9, 2012

Constituent Letter

Dear Senator Casey,
          My name is Tom Nguyen and I attend Haverford High School. I am currently 17 years old and every student in my school is required to take a Government class to graduate. I understand you represent Pennsylvania as Senator and, there is a bill being considered by the Senate, I would like for you to support S. 1067: Nuclear Energy Research Initiative Improvement Act of 2011. This bill conducts research to lower the cost of manufacturing nuclear reactor systems. This would be a great if  S. 1067 was passed, because we would be able to generate heat and electricity for a cheaper cost for everyone if we could make more nuclear reactors for a lower cost. I think you should really put this bill into consideration and support it. The CBO only estimates it would cost 213 million dollars over the 2010-2016 time period if it is implemented. Imagine the possibilities if this bill is implemented and nuclear reactor manufacturing costs go down. This would help decrease the usage of fossil fuels and the country would be a bit more "green". I really appreciate your time in reading my letter and I wish you the best of luck.
                                                                                            Sincerely,
                                                                                                 Tom Nguyen

Sunday, January 8, 2012

20 Truths about the American political system

1. Third parties are insignificant in our 2 party system (-)
2. Campaign ads don't give much information about the candidate. (-)
3. Campaign finances have gone up since the past. (-)
4. Religion and politics don't mix together. (+)
5. Some states matter more than others for campaigning. (-)
6. Most people don't know what the running candidates stand for. (-)
7. Presidents have the power to veto laws. (0)
8. The Judicial Branch can declare laws unconstitutional. (0)
9. Most people vote for the political party they are signed up for not because of the candidate. (-)
10. As citizens we have specific rights that the government can not take away from us. (+)
11. The executive branch is not just the president, there are many other people who help him. (+)
12. The number of electoral votes a state has depends on how many House members are in a state. (0)
13. To make a bill into a law is a very long and tedious process. (-)
14. People don't vote for a candidate because they are too lazy. (-)
15. Medicare is becoming very expensive. (-)
16. The U.S spends more then we make. (-)
17. Our Government is divided. (-)
18. We have three branches in our system. (+)
19. We have checks and balances to avoid any overpowering. (+)
20. We put a lot of funding into the military. (-)
 
 

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Podcast: Left, Right, Center- Third Parties

Facts/Opinions:
1. 58% of Americans do want another political party.
2. 58% of Americans oppose the war in Afghanistan.
3. I believe we can use another political party to bring in more diversity and ideas.
4. Obama gave up on public financing.
5. Wall street was Obamas major source of contribution.
6. A third party should not be fetishsized.
7. Whigs broke down during the Civil War.
8. A third party does not have to win to change an issue.
9. The Republicans are against raising taxes for the baby boomers.
10. The crises we are facing are not being taken seriously by our two current parties.
11. Post World War 2 economy climaxed in late 60's.

Political Party Research: Reform

Issues that the Reform Party Focuses on:
  1. Fiscal Responsibility 
  2. Taxes 
  3. Job Creation
  4. Personal Healthcare
  5. Education
  6. Government Ethics 
  7. Environmental Policy
  8. Foreign Policy 
  9. National Security
  10. Constitutional
Congress Should:
Get No free Meals
Get No more free Gifts, or Trips
Pass Laws with Penalties instead of Rules
Congress should have equal benifits (such as health care and retirement) as the average American.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Issue of the week: Poverty

1. What is the cause of poverty?
Some of my sources say that the poor cause their own poverty. The longer someone has been poor the less likely they will be able to escape poverty. Sociologists say that the "poor" have little reguard for the future and just live in the moment doing nothing about their situation. Sociologist also have said the poor would rather receive welfare checks instead of working in demanding positions such as maids or in fast food positions.
2. Is there a solution to poverty?
Some solutions include work support programs that can expand access to more affordable health care and child care,  and strengthen tax credits. We can create more jobs and offer low incentives so low-income workers can save up there money.
3. How can we help reduce the number of people suffering in poverty.
Econmoists have said the best way to reduce poverty is through stronger economic growth. Such as the government creating more jobs, keeping taxes, and spending low. States with lower tax rates usually have lower percentages of people in poverty in that state. So we can lower taxes for people with low income.
Sources:
http://www.bread.org/hunger/us-poverty-solutions/
http://www.cliffsnotes.com/study_guide/Causes-and-Effects-of-Poverty.topicArticleId-26957,articleId-26882.html
http://www.heartlandalliance.org/whatwedo/advocacy/reports/causes-of-poverty.pdf
http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/1215/p09s01-coop.html

Political Cartoon (Part 6)

Questions

1. Do you think Obama will only serve one term?
2. Will the Jobs puzzle ever fit?
3. Does someone really decide if the jobs can fit into their "agenda"?