Bush vs. Obama Tax Cuts!

The looming Senate debate on taxes sets up a showdown between George W. Bush and President Obama on tax policy — and the former president could come out the winner. The Senate is expected to hold dueling votes on extending the cuts before they expire on Dec. 31, and Bush’s policy could get more support in the Democratic-controlled chamber. Obama’s proposal to extend tax rates for middle-class families but allow taxes to rise for families making over $250,000 a year is given almost no chance of passing the upper chamber. Meanwhile, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) is pushing an across-the board extension of the cuts. Senate insiders think the most likely compromise is a two-year extension of all the cuts, which formed the economic centerpiece of Bush’s presidency.

I am not one fully understands politics/economics, however I know enough to be able to determine whats better for our nation as a whole. Obama's plan may have flaws but I believe it is more beneficial to the country as a whole rather than Bush's which was only beneficial to the U.S.'s top 20%.

http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/131045-tax-fight-pits-bush-vs-obama

Poverty in the Red, White, and Blue

The federal government defines a minimum amount of income necessary for basic maintenance of a family of four. This amount may fluctuate depending on the cost of living and the location of the family. In 1998, a family of four with an annual income below $16,530 was classified as living in poverty. The percentage of people living below the poverty level dropped from 22.4 percent in 1959 to 11.4 percent in 1978. But since then, it has fluctuated in a fairly narrow range. In 1998, it stood at 12.7 percent. What is more, the overall figures mask much more severe pockets of poverty. In 1998, more than one-quarter of all African-Americans (26.1 percent) lived in poverty; though distressingly high, that figure did represent an improvement from 1979, when 31 percent of blacks were officially classified as poor, and it was the lowest poverty rate for this group since 1959. Families headed by single mothers are particularly susceptible to poverty. Partly as a result of this phenomenon, almost one in five children (18.9 percent) was poor in 1997. The poverty rate was 36.7 percent among African-American children and 34.4 percent among Hispanic children.

Americans are proud of their economic system, believing it provides opportunities for all citizens to have good lives. Their faith is clouded, however, by the fact that poverty persists in many parts of the country. Government anti-poverty efforts have made some progress but have not eradicated the problem. Similarly, periods of strong economic growth, which bring more jobs and higher wages, have helped reduce poverty but have not eliminated it entirely.

http://economics.about.com/od/howtheuseconomyworks/a/poverty.htm

Economic Indicators!

According to the United Sates GDP for the past 40 years, we have already hit the peak of the economic cycle and have started to decline. All economic systems go from high to low, high to low so there is noting to worry about. Our current GDP is 14.119 trillion dollars. A major concern is our unemployment rate. In 2008 our unemployment rate was 6.1 %, in 2010 it was 9.5 %, and in 2011 it is expected to reach 9%. Unemployment is a key indicator, in my opinion, to how a country is doing. A country can have a good GDP if they export a lot and keep the wealth in a small group, but the unemployment rate shows how the people are doing, which is what matters.
Our country is contracting because every is going down. What I feel we need to do is expand. We need to reduce the unemployment rate by creating programs that make jobs. This would bring a lot of wealth back into our country. Also we need to start producing more. Right now the US imports a ton but barely produces our exports any thing. If I was an economist with power, this is what I would do.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gross_Domestic_Product

When Will the U.S. Economy Recover?

The U.S. job market and economy will improve only slightly next year, according to an Associated Press survey of leading economists whose outlook for 2011 has dimmed over the past three months. The latest quarterly AP Economy Survey shows economists are pushing back their estimates of when key barometers of economic health hiring, spending, expansion will signal strength. In their view, shoppers and employers will stay cautious. Households will keep saving. Inflation will remain tame. And unemployment will dip only a bit from the current 9.6 percent rate to a still-high 9 percent at the end of 2011. I am a strong believer in the phrase, "it is always darkest before the dawn." I do not mean literally, but the metaphor symbolizing that things will get worse before they are better. Our economy is slowing improving, slowly drawing towards the dawn. God Bless America!

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/10/28/business/main6999350.shtml

China vs. America

In the struggle for economic superiority, if China and the U.S. continue to follow their current strategies and directions, and there is no reason to think that they won't, China seems to be heading into the position of dominance. Right now China is making domestic and foreign policy moves that are based on growth and solidifying its economic foundation. On the other hand, the U.S. is pursuing strategies that have no clear formulas designed to spur growth, but, rather, strategies that are severely eroding our economic base. Either way, these two superpowers are drawing closer to a heated brawl for economic power.

http://www.economyincrisis.org/content/china-vs-us-economic-power-vs-military-might-which-will-prevail

Go Green!

The Green Party of the United States (GPUS) is a voluntary association of state green parties, and has been active as a nationally recognized political party since 2001. Prior to national formation, many state affiliates had already formed and were recognized by other state parties. The Association of State Green Parties (ASGP), a forerunner organization, first gained widespread public attention during Ralph Nader's presidential runs in 1996 and 2000. With the founding of the Green Party of the United States, the party established a national political presence. GPUS became the primary national Green organization in the U.S., eclipsing the earlier Greens/Green Party USA, which emphasized non-electoral movement building. The Green Party in the United States has won elected office at the local level; most winners of public office in the United States who are considered Greens have won nonpartisan elections. The highest-ranking Greens ever elected in the nation were: John Eder, a member of the Maine House of Representatives until his defeat in November 2006; Audie Bock, elected to the California State Assembly in 1999 but switched her registration to Independent seven months later running as an independent in the 2000 election; and Richard Carroll, elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives in 2008 but switched parties to become a Democrat five months after his election. In 2005, the Green Party had 305,000 registered members in states allowing party registration, and tens of thousands of members and contributors in the rest of the country. During the 2008 elections the party had ballot access in 31 states, making it the fourth largest party in the United States (the third largest being the Libertarian Party, with ballot access in 46 states, and the fifth largest being the Constitution Party, with ballot access in seventeen states)

The Green Party seems like a cool party to join. I support their views. I wish they were more recognized and had more power in our government. I think if the Green Party had majority power in the U.S. Government, our nation would be a cleaner one, but not necessarily a happy one. The general public are far more interested in the protection of their social status rather than the condition of their environment. Then again there is a first for everything.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Party_%28United_States%29

The "Grand Old Party"

The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the Grand Old Party (GOP). The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the political spectrum, in contrast to the, more "liberal" or "progressive" Democrats. The Republican Party has the second most registered voters as of 2004 with 55 million, encompassing roughly one-third of the electorate. In the 2010 elections the Republican Party won a majority of seats in the House of Representatives, the majority of governorships, as well as prevalence in the majority of state legislatures, and control of one chamber in five states. Previously, the Republican Party had held minorities in all three bodies. It will continue to hold a minority of seats in the Senate at the beginning the 112th Congress.

I have a lot of respect for the Republican Party even though I am a Democrat. Some of the nations greatest presidents were Republican. Like Abraham Lincoln, and Ronald Reagan (kind of). However over the past century, Republican presidents have decreased in popularity and respect, especially George W. Bush. His presidency hurt the Republican party or "Grand Old Party" terribly as a whole. Hopefully G.W.B's presidency helped the nation realize that you must vote for the right person for the job, not because the person is your party's candidate.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republican_Party_(United_States)

Democrats ... Unite!

The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's liberal platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous operation in the United States. The party had 72 million registered voters in 2004. President Barack Obama is the 15th Democrat to hold the office.

I myself am a Democrat, however I am not one who only sides with my party in every political situation. I understand that what I'm about to say is impossible and defeats the purpose of Democracy, but i feel to form a more perfect union, all the parties should bounce ideas off each other and gain rather than oppose every notion. Just create a super party, the Indemorepublictarians!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Party_(United_States)

While it's sheer size alone makes any California election a focus of national attention, a combination of high-profile and big money races in this particular mid-term will make the Golden State among the most closely watched in the nation. Control of the senate could hinge upon the outcome of Carly Fiorina's bid to replace Barbara Boxer, while Meg Whitman's $160 Million campaign for Governor has been one of the biggest national stories of this campaign cycle. Likewise, high-profile ballot initiatives like Prop 19, which would legalize and tax marijuana in the state, and Prop 23, which would repeal California's climate laws, could have major implications for the country as a whole.

Frankly, I am happy with the results of this election. Even though this excerpt talks about the Republican side of the election, Jerry Brown and Barbara Boxer won. In regards to the Props, I have a soft spot for prop 21 not passing, i think it really would have been beneficial to California's state parks but the deed has been done. The disapproval of Prop 19 wasn't a surprise but I am contempt. As for the results for the other props I am pleased with their outcome, however it was a close race. Finally, with the Republicans regaining control of the House of Reps., I am slightly disappointed but do realize that not much can be done with the three branches of govt. split two to one. Hopefully next election the missing pieces will be put back and our nation will grow stronger and even more unified.

Source the Huffington Post

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/02/california-elections-2010_n_777752.html#s169855

Tea Baggers!

Why are Republicans hopeful their party will gain Congressional seats during the
2010 midterm elections? What factors might disrupt these hopes for the Republicans?

Republicans are hopeful to win Congressional seats during the 2010 midterm election because currently the three branches of govt. are of Democrat majority. This allows Democrats to pass their legislator more easily. The Republican Party wants to posses more political control and halt the Democrats and their progress. One factor that could disrupt Republican hopes is the fact that most of their candidates are considered to radical and obnoxious for any branch of the govt. If the Democrats dominate this election, the Republicans will have to wait for the next Presidential election to even attempt to take majority control of the government.

Explain the reasons the Tea Party formed and what message this sends to both
Republican and Democratic parties. What impact do you think the Tea Party will
have on the 2010 midterm elections?

The Tea Party feels that Congress refuses to listen to the people. The party want less govt. control and were established to try and change this. I feel that the The Tea Party was established to be like a "born again" Republican Party because Republicans feel that they have made so many mistakes in the past (election of George W. Bush) and it was time to for a "fresh start". The Tea Party is fully funded by Republican money as well. The impact that "Tea Bags" have is that they are taking votes away from the Democrats and Republicans. There is no way that they will win any elections but they're crippling the other parties.

My source was my politically savvy grandmother Sandra J. Rawlins :)

Prop 25!

California Proposition 25 is the Majority Vote for the Legislature to Pass the Budget Act. Supporters turned in about 1.1 million signatures to election officials on May 6. The proposal is an initiated constitutional amendment.The goal of the proposal is to end the current requirement in the state that two-thirds of the members of the California State Legislature must vote in favor of the state's budget in order for a budget to be enacted. It also requires state legislatures to forfeit their pay in years where they have failed to pass a budget in a timely fashion.

There is nothing much to say on my part for the prop, but this is what I got out of it.

1. Changes the legislative vote requirement necessary to pass the state budget and spending bills related to the budget from two-thirds to a simple majority.

2. It provides that if the Legislature fails to pass a budget bill by June 15, all members of the Legislature will permanently forfeit any reimbursement for salary and expenses for every day until the day the Legislature passes a budget bill.

California Prop. 23 vs. A.B. 32

Aside from the question of which party will control the House and Senate for the next two years, next month's mid-term elections also feature a number of important state contests, including California's closely-watched Prop 23, a ballot initiative that would suspend enforcement of the state's major greenhouse gas legislation, Assembly Bill 32. Prop 23 has national implications, since California has taken a leadership position on emissions regulations at a time when national climate policy has become deadlocked. Yet as I've watched the coverage of Prop 23 in the blogosphere and mainstream media, I've been amazed by the consistent mischaracterization of precisely what is at stake in this initiative, most recently in Tom Friedman's Column in yesterday's New York Times. Californians surely deserve a better assessment of the issues involved.

Personally I'm going to vote no on Prop 23. Based on all the advertisements on t.v. about the proposition imploring the people to vote no, there were interesting points brought up. Also, i am in favor of stopping Texas oil companies' schemes to repeal clean energy and air pollution standards. In my opinion, a cleaner California is a better one. However, making such a transition will be arduous and expensive!

Mary Jane is still in the Game

A ballot measure to make California the first state to legalize the sale and use of marijuana has won the support of one of the state’s most powerful union, officials said Monday, offering the proposition a shot of mainstream legitimacy as well as a potential financial and organizational lift. The decision by the executive board of the Service Employees International Union of California will be announced in the next few days, according to officials who have been briefed about it but were not allowed to speak publicly before it was announced.

Prop 19 is continuing to gain support from many diverse unions! However, I have recently read the proposition and have discussed it with my friends. We collectively feel that "it could be better." Im starting to second guess my support but not to the point where i will vote no. Hopefully if prop 19 is approved, with the support of such unions like the Service Employees International Union of California it will not be a mistake.

Im Surprised Arnold!

The California Governor, Schwarzenegger, who opposes Proposition 19, signed a landmark bill in the state of California which decriminalizes the possession of marijuana. For those wondering, this does not make marijuana possession legal, but it no longer will be a misdemeanor offense. Instead of the mandatory fine of $100 as well as the mandatory appearance in front of a judge, the outcome of being caught with marijuana will now simply be a $100 fine. The new law will be in effect on January 1st and include anyone caught with up to an ounce of marijuana. Basically the possession of the drug is seen no different by California now than speeding is.

This is interesting to me because it makes Arnold look like a hypocrite, however I agree with his decision. I personally always disagreed with the law about possession of marijuana (not that I myself have gotten in trouble) unless the suspect was under the influence and was operating a car or something that could endanger his/her life and others. Anyways, this is just one step closer to the approval of Prop 19, which could either be acceptable or a complete disaster.

Prop 19 is Looking Good!

Proposition 19 has been doing well with a steady 5% lead this year. Prop 19 is a proposition that would change California law to legalize marijuana and allow it to be regulated and taxed.Polls say that 47 percent of the people in California are certain to vote yes while only 42 percent are said to vote no. Even if Prop 19 barely fails this time, the huge age divide means that it is only a matter of a few years before there is a clear voting majority for marijuana legalization in California.

I personally am in favor of Prop 19. Financially, I feel Marijuana would actually bebefit our economy. Medically, it is a great alternative than using perscription drugs. I have a family member would had a medical marijuana card claimed that it soothed the pain instead of just covering it up then hurting twice as bad later. Marijuana is taboo in this country and in many places around the world, but in reality it will do more good than harm if it is legalized.

http://elections.firedoglake.com/2010/09/23/yes-on-prop-19-holds-steady-lead-47-42-in-latest-surveyusa-poll/

Agua on Mars!

It took NASA a few decades, several probes, and a whole lot of money to find hard evidence for the existence of water on the surface of Mars. But timing is everything. Had the agency been looking for water on the Red Planet a few billion years earlier, all they would've needed was a telescope. A new CU-Boulder analysis of the Martian surface has concluded that a massive ocean covered as much as a third of the planet around 3.5 billion years ago.

Solar Sail!

It’s sink or sail time for Japan’s IKAROS spacecraft, and according to initial reports from JAXA the unfurling of the first solar sail deployed for actual deep space travel went off without a hitch.

But the successful sail deployment isn’t a guarantee of success. IKAROS (Interplanetary Kite-craft Accelerated by Radiation Of the Sun) still has to get moving, and mission handlers say in their blog posts today that it will be a few weeks before we know if the sail is really working the way it is supposed to.

Final Suck!

So my finals are coming up an im freaking out. Tomorrows the first part of my Algebra 2 Final and I know I will not get an A but hopefully a B or C. I just need to pass that class and my life will be complete!

NASA'S Cassini Shoots Stunning New Images of Saturn!

Along with its main mission of scientific research, NASA's Cassini orbiter is one heck of a photographer.

NASA just released the striking image above, which shows the upper layers of Saturn’s atmosphere illuminated by the eclipsed Sun. And that's far from the the only modernist photo Cassini has snapped over the years.

Its Been A While!

I havent done a blog post in a while so i will post a funny picture for ya'll today! Tomorrow i will post a legit blog.