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

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?

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

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?

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. 

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/20083. 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. 

http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1988/familychildren

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/

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?

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.

Political Cartoon

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?

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.

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Toomey: Ban earmarks forever (Allentown Morning Call)

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.