Thursday, December 15, 2011

Issue of the Week. < National Debt >



1. Is their any plan in the making or in affect that will lower our debt? 
THE DEBT CEILING - The deal would authorise an increase in the debt limit by at least $2.1tn. A senior administration official said that the level  was enough to last until 2013, meaning it will not require action in 2012 - a presidential election year.

FIRST ROUND OF SPENDING CUTS - Immediately authorises spending cuts of more than $900bn to take place over the next decade. A White House official said the figure would be between $900bn and $1tn, while House Speaker John Boehner's office gave the figure of $917bn.

The White House said the cuts would be in the form of caps on discretionary spending - funding that is authorised at will by congress - and not from entitlements such as Social Security and the Medicare health programme for the elderly.



http://www.aljazeera.com/news/americas/2011/08/2011815169437290.html


2.  At what rate is the debt increasing?


The Office of Management and Budget at the White House predicts the "Gross Federal Debt" for the next few years. At the end of the fiscal year 2005, (Sept. 30 2005) they list the debt at $8,031.4 billion. They predict it will be $676 billion higher at the end of the next fiscal year. That is the average rate of increase per year assumed by the clock.
http://www.federalbudget.com/
3. Is the U.S debt clock accurate?


Q: How accurate is your Debt Clock?

A: As accurate as I can make it! Every business day, the U.S. Treasury department releases new Debt figures for the previous day. I periodically get these figures and use them to adjust the Debt Clock's value so it remains accurate.I, or rather the CGI code I wrote for the Debt Clock, then calculate the current value of the Debt by a simple linear extrapolation between the recent date's value and the value for the debt about a year previously.I also get up to date population figures from the Census Department's Population Clock and use this to calculate each person's share of the total debt.

http://www.brillig.com/debt_clock/faq.html
US National Debt, corrected for inflation (2000 dollars)

Terry Gross Interview - Interpreting the constitution in the digital Era

Facts:


  1. The Supreme Court is currently dealing with a case on the legality of the Police force placing a GPS tracking device on a car without a warrant. 
  2. The biggest question is what is the difference of tracking for 10 to 100 miles compared to tracking for a month.
  3. Jeff Rosen believes that there is a necessity for translation of the Constitution.
  4.  In his essay, in Constitution 3.0, he shows a story of a world at the time of 2025, where people have the ability to know what you are doing and where you are 24/7, via security camera and things like such.
  5. Google Maps became controversial when it started taking 'street view' picture, because it is a possible invasion of privacy.
  6.  In Germany the decided that they would not let Google because of their strict laws on data gathering.
  7.  It would be possible for Facebook and Google to team up and stream every surveillance camera in the world in the future.
  8.  Some countries have recognized a "right to oblivion" that allows people to take down pictures of themselves that they don't want off the Internet.
  9.  Criminals are using brain scans showing overactive amygdalas as proof that they cannot control themselves. 
  10. The lines regarding privacy, adhering or breaking, are very different between American and Europe, as the two have very different policies on data gathering.
Q's:


  1. Where is the line in invasion of privacy?
  2. If Police GPS tracking is unconstitutional, is radar detector constitutional?
  3. How can the supreme court react?
  4. What is the general view of the citizens?
  5. Is the government taking it too far?

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Electoral College Reform

Facts:

  1. Reformation of the Electoral College would mean that in essence the grip of federalism would be loosened
  2. The people would vote as citizens of the United States, not a a citizen of one state or another, but all under common ground and for one, larger, purpose.
  3. The author believes its time to reform and readjust the Constitution for our changing times.
  4. By arguing against the Electoral College, Al Gore, would change the campaign process. Campaigners would now consider every last vote, from anywhere and everywhere that they could possible obtain.
  5. Those who argue in favor of the electoral college, claim that the devices for the 2000 election were the reasons for the unrealistic/unrealiable factor for the election.
  6.  Critics say that the electoral college at it's "worst" can shift the outcome of an election.
  7. Around 700 amendments have been proposed that would reform or abolish the Electoral College.
  8. Abolishing the Electoral College would allow citizens to "reshape political institutions."
  9. Dan Lazare argues that less power is given to the people by electoral college.
  10.  Dan Lazare states that it should be abolished and that it is an undemocratic system which should by-pass in future elections.
Q's:
  1. Is abolishing the electoral college unconstitutional?
  2. What are the chances of it being abolished?
  3. What is the view of the general population on the electoral college?
  4. Could the new president possibly reform it?
  5. what are some influential pros and cons?
Thoughts: 
I believe that the electoral college should definitely be reformed and improved. I think is it undemocratic because the citizens can not vote for the president directly. It is embarrassing because America is a "model" for democracy. Additionally, there are too many errors currently in the process and it is in a desperate state in need of improvements. 

Classmates Pending Bills

Mike Kane- 10 Million Dollar Solar Roofs Act of 2011
  • 1. It directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program that provides competitive grants to local communities.
  • 2. Fund for training for solar power system establishment
  • 3..Its main goal is to create solar energy system ( no less than 10 million properties) 
  • 4.The bill allows the grants to be used for the development of solar energy projects and programs for the use of new strategies
  • 5. Provide solar powered energy systems with efficient and less expensive funding. 
2. H.R. 1002: Wireless Tax Fairness Act of 2011-Christina Ngo
  • Congress finds it is appropriate to exercise congressional enforcement authority of the commerce clause, section 5 under the 14th Amendment in order to ensure that States do not discriminate against providers and consumers of mobile services by imposing new selective and excessive taxes on such providers and consumers.
  • The federal legislature finds congressional action is necessary to prohibit imposing new discriminatory 
  • taxes on providers and consumers of mobile services.
  • The term ‘mobile service’ means commercial mobile radio service, as such term is defined in the Code of Federal Regulations, or any other service that is intended for receipt on, transmission from, or use with a mobile telephone or other mobile device, including, but not limited to, the receipt of a digital good.
  • The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study, throughout the 5-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, to determine how and to what extent taxes imposed by local and State governments on mobile services, mobile service providers, or mobile property, impact the costs consumers pay for mobile services.
S. 1500, the bill to provide greater health care coverage for children, is still in the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. No change. (Eli Pollock)
  •  Permits a health insurance issuer that is licensed to offer child-only health insurance coverage in one state to also offer such coverage to eligible residents of other states.
  •   Involves the job of the Secretary of Health and Human Services
  •  One provision is for the application of a uniform annual enrollment period for coverage.
  •  Another provision is to create regulations that provide protections to enrollees and ensure the solvency of health insurance issuers.
  •  It also aims to clarify the procedures that would apply when an enrollee has a complaint concerning their coverage.

I choose S. 1500

      Political Cartoon #3

      Eric Allie - Caglecartoons.com - Leveling the field COLOR - English - Obama,barack,rhetoric,fair,fair shot,fair share,election,politics,blather,peanuts,charlie brown, class warfare
      1. What is the stance of the author on Obama's policies?
      2. Why was Charlie Brown chosen?
      3. Is Obama's proposals and bills not effective or irrational?

      Tuesday, December 13, 2011

      New York Times Budget Puzzle

      I saved $418 billion dollars and year 2015, and will be saving $1,345 billion dollars in 2030. I recieved 56% from tax increases and 44% from spending cuts. 
      It was easy to cut military spending because I thought that our defense right now is more than enough and cutting social security was very difficult because it is concerning the general welfare of the people. It will be very slow and inefficient in the task of the congress. I wish that budget cut was as simple as this so the government can react efficiently and quickly to the needs of the citizens. 

      Sunday, December 11, 2011

      Pending Bills 2

      H.R. 3130: Heartbeat Informed Consent Act
      It gives the abortion patient a chance to review the ultrasound procedure before giving consent for abortion.



      Facts: 
      1. This could possibly decrease rate of abortion because the ultrasound could convince the mother that the baby is still alive. 

      2. Require all patients to receive ultrasound
      3.  It should not be construed to prevent a pregnant woman from closing or averting her eyes from the ultrasound images required to be displayed or listening to the descriptions.
      4. Only exception is in case of an emergency.
      5.  Fine of up to $100,000. "Second and Subsequent Offenses" is $250,000.
      6.   Less than five percent of all natural pregnancies end in spontaneous miscarriage after detection of cardiac activity. A fetal heartbeat is therefore a key medical indicator that an unborn child is likely to achieve the capacity for live birth.

      Q's:
      1. Is the ultrasound procedure paid by the govt?
      2. Could this possibly decrease the rate of abortion?
      3. How would the patients react to the images?

      Campaign Ad Analysis

      1. The purpose of this ad is to use threatening and dramatic images and themes to portray to voters that the candidate will prevent the evil and the bad. Such as the Atomic Bomb. It succeeded because the voters were influenced and moved. 
      http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/19642. He tells information about himself while using many other beliefs and virtues he possesses by enforcing the more touching words used in Obama's campaign against McCain in 2008
      This was successful because the voters were influenced by the information given out about Obama which portrayed Obama's abilities to become a perspective president
      http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/2008
      3. Focus on families/children. Portrays that the candidate cares and concerns for children of our nation. The voters feel sympathy and  a sense of comfort from the candidates. It was successful because it showed that Bush will bring clear and stable future for the future generations. Also take on issues that will affect the future. 
      4. This ad reassures the voters that America is stronger than what it has been in the past.  This is successful because it reminds the voters the prosperity that was made in the past and it paints a bright future for Americans.  
      http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/19965. This ad shows and plays music and theme song that will capture the voter's mind and grab attention. It is effective because the voters will remember ad and recognize it just by listening to the song.
      http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/19526. This clearly portrayed Ronald Reagan's success and accomplishments which solved the debt crisis in California. the voters were influence and moved by the sense of security in Reagan's possible presidency. It showed solid experience and confidence in Reagan. 
      http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1980

      Conclusions: 
      1. TV ads can affect not only the supporting candidate, but also the opposing sides.
      2. TV ads are not always morally or ethically approved
      3. Many Presidents throughout the history have used effective ad to achieve their goals. 

      President Research


      1. Set up various forms of rituals and precedents 
      2. Military feats can bring approval rates from the citizens
      3. use the national government to preserve liberty, improve infrastructure, open the western lands. 
      4. promote commerce, found a permanent capital, reduce regional tensions and promote a spirit of American nationalism
      5.Leadership skills are crucial to become a successful president

      http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/georgewashington

      http://www.mountvernon.org/meet-george-washington
      http://www.american-presidents.com/george-washington/

      Saturday, December 10, 2011

      Electoral College Reform

      Facts: 
      1. It is undemocratic, however it is justified.
      2. The general population is in favor of the original 
      3. There was a strong push in 1969 to 1970 to abolish the Electoral College in favor of a nationwide popular vote with a run-off if no candidate received at least 40% of the vote
      4. Richard Nixon would have defeated John F. Kennedy in 1960 is it were a direct election with a run-off
      5.The electoral college is "malapportioned" 
      6. Creating an electoral system that awards votes by district would create the need for many more recounts.
      7.The Constitution did not mention a "method for resolving disputes over electors."
      8. Direct democracy is not supported by the U.S and it is also irrational.
      9.The original Electoral College was meant to choose the best candidate, not the Democrat or Republican that won the most states
      10.There have only been 10 electors that have violated their pledge to a candidate.


      Q's
      1. How would a new reform impact our nation?
      2.How would it impact the rest of the world?
      3. What would the founding fathers do?
      4. How can new democratic countries establish their gov't system from our model?
      5. Is there any faulty votes?

      Thursday, December 8, 2011

      Pending Bill

      H.R. 3130: Heartbeat Informed Consent Act
      This bill proposes a pregnant women to receive an ultrasound and an opportunity for the review prior to abortion treatment.
      This bill is in the first step in the legislative process.




      S. 1722: Early Learning Proficiency Act

      This bill proposes improvements and innovations in early educations in American youths. Status: This bill is in the first step in the legislative process. Explanation: Introduced bills and resolutions first go to committees that deliberate, investigate, and revise them before they go to general debate. The majority of bills and resolutions never make it out of committee. 
      . H.R. 3069: Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Act
      To amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to reduce predation on endangered Columbia River salmon and other nonlisted species, and for other purposes.
      Status: This bill was considered in committee which has recommended it be considered by the House as a whole.

      Wednesday, December 7, 2011

      Political Cartoon

      RJ Matson - Roll Call - Snail Mail-COLOR - English - Snail Mail, US Mail, United States Postal Service, USPS, Service Cuts, First Class Mail, One Day Delivery, Post Office
      1. How did the budget cut in u.s mail impact our nation?
      2. What are the benefits of getting rid of the first class mail?
      3. How would this impact employment rate?

      Sunday, December 4, 2011

      Taxpayer Articles

      House Transportation Reauthorization Postponed as Deadline Approaches


      http://www.taxpayer.net/search_by_category.php?action=view&proj_id=5005&category=Transportation&type=Project


      Facts: 
      1. any action on a new transportation bill would be pushed off until January at the earliest.
      2.  the nation is on course to witness yet another band-aid extension of the last reauthorization. 
      3.House Speaker John Boehner outlined a highly-touted but largely unrealistic plan to help fund the new bill with royalties from increased energy development. 
      4. submitting even a draft of this “drilling for transportation dollars” legislation before January is unlikely
      5. February is the probably the earliest the bill would see the floor.

      =============================================================
      http://www.taxpayer.net/resources.php?action=issues&proj_id=5000&category=&type=Project

      1. For years, earmarks played a role in fueling the overspending in Washington and undermining the integrity of our legislative process
      2., earmarks were a way to reward lawmakers, barter for votes and honor seniority. 
      3. Pat Toomey and senator Claire McCaskill wish to ban earmarks perminately forever.
      4. Log rolling and ear-marking is tied together.
      5.Toomey requested earmarks worth about $12 million for Lehigh Valley businesses during his time representing the area in the U.S. House.

      Wednesday, November 30, 2011

      PA Congressional Districs

      1. Bill Shuster won a 70% republican vote 
      2.Delaware county has two districts, 1 and 7
      3. Most boundaries has no jagged lines. Accords the gerrymandering law.
      4. all districts have almost same population. 
      5. 7th district has north and wets philadelphia
      6.The 7th Congressional District is 98.56% urban and 1.44% rural.
      7.PA's 8th Congressional District is represented by Republican Mike Fitzpatrick, since this year
      8. Ever since the 6th congressional district was redrawn in 2002, the district has gotten much more competitive.
      9.District 5 has the most number of counties in it
      10Before the 200 census there was 21 districts in PA

      2008 Election District Returns

      1. PA's votes were in favor of Obama by 54%
      2.Bob Bar won about 20,000 votes.
      3. Joe Biden was a senator from Delaware.
      4.Most blacks and Hispanics voted for Obama.
      5. McCain spent 3 times as many days as Obama did in PA

      Political Cartoon

      Nate Beeler - The Washington Examiner - Silly Season COLOR - English - pizza, vegetable, newt gingrich, gop, republicans, campaign, 2012, election, politics, health, birthers, birtherism, barack obama, alien, kenya
      1. What are political analysts' thoughts and predictions on Obama's next move?
      2. How did the citizens react to Newt Gingrich news?
      3. Is the pizza bill rational?

      Death Penalty Questions

      1.How many countries have abolished it? 
      According to Amnesty International, 139 countries have abolished the death penalty. In 2010, only one country, Gabon, abolished the death penalty for all crimes. During 2010, 23 countries executed 527 prisoners and at least 2,024 people were sentenced to death in 67 countries. More than 17,833 people are currently under sentence of death around the world. 

       The Death Penalty Worldwide — Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0777460.html#ixzz1fcoMG8RY



      2.How many people on death row have been found innocent?


      Since 1973, 139 people in 26 states have been released from death row with evidence of their innocence. 
      There is no definitive answer to the question of how many innocent people have been executed in the U.S.; 


      however, Northwestern University School of Law's Centre on Wrongful Convictions (CWC) documented 38 


      executions carried out since the mid-1970s where there was compelling evidence of innocence or serious 


      doubt about guilt. Another 130 death row inmates were exonerated, instead of executed, between 1973 and 


      2008 due to emerging evidence, including DNA analysis. A smaller number of people have been exonerated 


      posthumously. My personal opinion is that judges and investigators sentence death penalties when the 


      evidences and investigations are definitive in proving the criminal guilty. My point is that the when judges sentence death penalties, the criminal is definitely guilty and there is a slim chance of innocence or error. 


      Read more: 



      http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_many_innocent_people_have_died_from_the_death_penalty#ixzz1fcpN2zHl
      3.What alternatives do we have or could we have to the death penalty? 


      Instead of death penalties, we can have a laboring system. It is where death row inmates can choose to work for the rest of their lives with proper care and be treated normally. This will reduce all the citizen's tax money spending on expenses of keeping the inmate alive for rest of his or her life.While the inmate is in jail, I believe he should be put to some kind of work for the better of society - with all his earnings going to the family of the victim. This alternative would help most if the victim was the sole provider of income for that family. Just killing the accused would not bring peace or better anybody, it would just bring more pain and vengeance. However, if the accused is put to work, then the family of the victim will at least receive a little money to help them get through their hard times, and move on with life. I do believe in second chance and I simply do not see a huge difference between prison for life and death penalty. 

      Sunday, November 27, 2011

      How Washington Works

      Facts: 
      1. It is difficult to get a bill passed
      2. Congress works from Monday afternoon to Friday morning
      3.Politics are usually one subject "passions" in Washington.
      4.The political community lurches from one passion to the next
      5.personal relationships often cut across party and ideological lines
      6.Most politicians are vain and want to be noticed.
      7.Newly elected officials have very little power when they arrive
      8The city and its suburbs are encircled by a sixty-four-mile freeway loop known as the beltway.
      9. in 1988, Newt Gingrich enjoyed the spotlight.
      10.Washington is not isolated


      Q's  : 
      1. Is there any type of initiation for new comers?
      2. Without the barriers of distinct political parties, how are the relationships between the politicians?
      3. How much of politicians personal life is exposed?
      4. Do politician parents raise their children to become involved in politics?
      5. Why did the politicians chose their career?
      6. What is a politician's strongest desire?
      7. What is a politicians worst fear?
      8. What kind of occupations would politicians work in if they were laid off?
      9. Are most politicians lawyers?
      10. What are the percentages of non-lawyer politicians?

      Saturday, November 19, 2011

      Lost in Detention

      Facts.
      1.The boarder strength is dramatically improved from before.
      2. Since Obama took office, immigration control is more strict
      4. Some people are deported by minor crimes
      5.ICE has offices in all 50 states and 47 other countries.
      6.Over 1 million illegal immigrants have been deported since Obama took office.
      7.Three million immigrants have been detained in detentions
      8.ICE is the United States Immigration and Custom's Enforcement Agency
      9.  There are around 250 detention centers.
      10, ICE's goal is to get 400,000 illegal immigrants every year.


      Q's.
      1. Is there any circumstance where an illegal immigrant is allowed to stay?
      2. How can ICE find illegal immigrants?
      3. What percent of illegal immigrants are criminals? 
      4. How does illegal immigrants affect crime rates in a city?
      5. Do cities with more populations of illegal immigrants have higher crime rates?

      Terry Gross Interview

      Facts: 
      1. By the 1930s, a Gallup poll showed that 75 percent of Americans favored contraception. 
      2. The first clinic for birth control was established in 1916.
      3.People strongly accused Sanger of being a eugenicist. 
      4. The actual term "birth control" was from Sanger. 
      5. Margaret Sanger was one of 11 children. 
      6.During her time, it was illegal to distribute information, mail, or write about contraception.
      7. Issue of abortion has been a controversial debate over the years. and now days, the debates are argued in many different ways.
      8. Mississippi rejected an initiative that would have granted rights of personhood to an fertilized egg.
      9. Sanger's American Birth Control League was renamed the Planned Parenthood Federation of America
      10. 41% of women who received care never used contraceptives


      Q's.
      1. How were the qualities of child birth in that time?
      2. Should abortion be illegal? since it is a murder?
      3. How does birth control affect birth rates?
      4. How  much is an abortion procedure?
      5. How does abortion affect the mother's life in a long run?

      Friday, November 18, 2011

      Committees

      Pat Meehan


      Budget Committee
      -Creates economic policy
      -Drafts the annual budget for the federal government
      -Sets parameters for congressional spending

      Finance Committee
      -Has jurisdiction over all taxes and revenue
      -Has jurisdiction over many health care programs
      -Has jurisdiction over international trade policy and customs

      Bob Casey
      Member, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
      -acquisition of land and buildings for embassies and legations in foreign countries.
      -international activities of the American National Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
      -international law as it relates to foreign policy.

      Tuesday, November 15, 2011

      StackHouse Filibuster

      Facts : 

      1. 1.The person who is filibustering keeps the floor as long as he talks,
      2. 2."Filibuster"  means "freebooter".
      3. 3.No leaning or sitting during a filibuster.
      4. 4.The senator speaking in the filibuster may pause if someone asks a question.
      5. 5.. Can talk about any topic during a filibuster
      6. 6.After a filibuster ends there is a cloture vote.
      7. 7. Stackhouse delayed a vote with a filibuster.
      8. 8.No eating or drinking during a filibuster.



      Questions :


      1. Should the law of filibuster be amended?
      2. What is the general view of filibustering of the citizens?
      3. What was the longest filibuster?
      4. Are the Senate members required to stay until the filibuster ends?
      5. Does the vice president attend and stay at a filibuster?

      Saturday, November 12, 2011

      Immigration Questions

      1.What happens if illegal immigrants have children that were born in the US? Are they (the children) also considered illegal immigrants? 
      - 300,000 children of illegal immigrants born in the United States every year, according to the Pew Hispanic Center. They're given instant citizenship because they are born on U.S. soil, which makes it easier for their parents to become U.S. citizens. I believe that it is not fair or just to give them citizenship automatically because this method will cause excessive increase in number of future illegal immigrants. Say for example, illegal immigrant married couple, the Gonzalez family,gives birth to Pedro in Texas. Pedro gains citizenship by law even though his parents are illegal. Years past, Pedro is able to give his families in Mexico an invitation visa to U.S. This would eventually cause epidemic problems. 
      2. Would there be cases in which illegal immigrants are allowed to stay in the United States? 
      -No, there should not be any case which an illegal immigration is legal in any circumstances. It would be unconstitutional and it would be ruled against in the Supreme Court. Also for example, if one case of illegal immigration is allowed, it would set a precedent for future immigrants cases and it would lead to a weaker enforcement of illegal immigrations. 3. What is life like for the child of an illegal immigrant?
      I personally know couple families and friends who are illegal residents by law, and one can say that their lives are not very much different except in the events of schoarships, loans, insurance, medicare, licenses. In fact, it is very harsh and difficult to live because they do not have any aid or benefits of a citizen like insurances and medical cares. 

      Friday, November 11, 2011

      Electoral College

      Facts.
      1.52% to 40%, voters prefer the present winner-take-all Electoral College system rather than the winner-by-congressional district proposal)
      2.Last week Governor Tom Corbett and Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi raised Pennsylvania's profile in the 2012 presidential race.
      3. President Obama took all 21 electoral votes from John McCain.
      4. Charlie Dent (R-15), Jim Gerlach (R-6), Mike Fitzpatrick (R-8) and Pat Meehan (R-7)--have all opposed the new plan which is, the Republican nominee could lose the popular vote but still win a majority of the electoral votes.

      5.The concept of awarding electoral votes by congressional district was introduced and followed by since the 1950s, when a republican senator and GOP Rep. wanted to fight the liberal push for direct popular election of President.
      6.A secretive, nonprofit group called All Votes Matter has been pushing the electoral vote scheme since May in PA.
      7.Between April and June, this group spent $77,700 to get support from legislation to actually implement this scheme.
      8. Even though Democrats have won Pennsylvania in the last five presidential elections, the state remains competitive
      9.  Nebraska's Republicans are looking to switching back to the old system of winner takes all.  
      10.State legislators who are on the ballot with these congressmen in 2012 may be at risk.  


      Questions :
      1. Should the whole nation use this method?
      2.is electoral college constitutional?
      3.How to elections affect economy ?
      4. Does Obama have any Republican support?
      5. How did it work in some states?


      Thursday, November 10, 2011

      3 Immigration Questions

      1.What happens if illegal immigrants have children that were born in the US? Are they (the children) also considered illegal immigrants? 
      2. Would there be cases in which illegal immigrants are allowed to stay in the United States? 
      3. What is life like for the child of an illegal immigrant?



      John Boehner

      Facts: 
      1.He has passed free-trade agreements.
      2.Boehner thinks its important to spend less money.
      3.Boehner said there were  no surprises during his first year has Speaker.
      4.Not many people back Boehner's leadership
      5.He had to pull his debt-limit bill from the floor at the eleventh hour before reviving it with concessions to conservatives
      6. He lost a leadership position in 1998 but has come back to be Speaker.
      7.Republicans have gotten $1 trillion cut from the deficit over the next ten years.
      8.Boehner doesn't have the backing to get a deal done


      Questons :
      1. What was the whole deal about him crying?
      2. How long can he last in his position since he is not in favor currently?
      3.What is his approval rating?
      4. What are some views of Democrats on Boehner?
      5. What do Republicans think of Boehner?

      Wednesday, November 9, 2011

      Representatives' Personal Finance

      -Pat Meehan has 16 assets totaling $72,016 to $380,000.  He ranks 316th in the House. For his income he has 3 totaling $260,000.
      Our PA Senator, Pat Toomey is not in the wealthiest side of the Senate. His net worth is 1,770,062 to 4 millon, it is high however compared to other members in the Senate he is ranked at 46th. He has total of 44 assets and liabilities of 100k. 
      Finally his income equals to 186807 dollars. it is similar income to most upper class americans. 
      I strongly and most definitely believe that the financial status of the government severely matters to our nation. About 1 percent of all Americans are millionaires. In Congress, that number regularly hovers between 40 percent and 50 percent, meaning elected leaders generally need not worry about the economic pressures many Americans face – from securing gainful employment to grappling with keeping a family financially afloat. Decide for yourself if these congressional millionaires are adequately representing your financial interests. If the leaders and law makers can not even sympathize with the people, he or she is not qualified as a representative or a leader. 

      Is the U.S House to small?

      Facts : 
      1.The House has consisted of 435 members since 1911.
      2. The bigger the institution, the less smoothly it often operates
      3.From 65 members in its vintage 1789 configuration, the lower chamber grew steadily with each new census count, accommodating the growing population of the country.
      4. members of larger districts may have a more difficult time connecting with and representing their constituents.
      5.Taking the cube root of a nation’s population provided a remarkably good predictor of the size of that nation’s lower house.


      Questions : 


      1. What would happen if the House had 50 members just like the senate?
      2. When determining the census, is it only the American citizens who are counted?
      3. Since population from 1911 has dramatically grown to today, should the capacity be increased?
      4. How efficient would it be if the capacity increases?
      5. If the House of Rep becomes too big, can it have too much power?