The Great 2016 Money Chase By Peter Fenn
The article begins by noting that it cost $100 to attend John F. Kennedy's birthday party fundraiser for the Democratic Party in which Marion Monroe sang "Happy Birthday, Mr. President." This is in stark contrast to today's world of political fundraising. For example, Jeb Bush was supposed to have event at a Wall Street moguel, Henry Kravis's home, where the entry fee would be $100,000. Clearly political fundraising has taken a life of its own since the 1960's. Hillary Clinton's committee, Priorities USA Action, is having trouble raising its goal of $500 million because the only 10 of the 30 individuals they have enticed have donated a million dollars each.
The author of this article was trying to showcase the drastic changes that have taken place in political fundraising. At this rate the 2016 presidential election will break all the records and then some. Candidates spend so much time trying to fund raise that it takes away from their duties as a leader. Also, I don't understand why they spend so much money on campaigns when in the 2014 elections there was the lowest voter turnout in a midterm election since 1942. Clearly, voters are ignoring all of the candidates expensive attempts to attract their attention.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Obama to the rescue
Obama tries to reassure nervous Jewish groups over Iran deal By Jim Acosta
President Barack Obama met with liberal and conservative Jewish- American groups on Monday to hear the administration's pitch on its nuclear deal with Iran. There was two meetings in which Obama addressed the questions and concerns of officials from the nation's top Jewish American organizations. He tried to show the White House's "depth of commitment to Israel", but he still heard from many participants who expressed fear and anxiety about the agreement announced on April 2. The White House Press Secretary said that the two meetings were to show that this agreement is clearly in the best interests of the USA.
I think that Obama made the right move by hosting the meetings with all those still wary about the agreement with Iran. He did this so that he can convince them that this is the best action that could be made. If he did not address the obvious fear and anxiety felt by his citizens, they could have changed their support of the agreement which would have caused delays and change of action. This article highlights how politicians try to mold our opinions by offering the public information and allowing our voices or concerns to be heard. Now that Obama has addressed most of the concerns of the Jewish-American community, he can proceed with the agreement with their support.
President Barack Obama met with liberal and conservative Jewish- American groups on Monday to hear the administration's pitch on its nuclear deal with Iran. There was two meetings in which Obama addressed the questions and concerns of officials from the nation's top Jewish American organizations. He tried to show the White House's "depth of commitment to Israel", but he still heard from many participants who expressed fear and anxiety about the agreement announced on April 2. The White House Press Secretary said that the two meetings were to show that this agreement is clearly in the best interests of the USA.
I think that Obama made the right move by hosting the meetings with all those still wary about the agreement with Iran. He did this so that he can convince them that this is the best action that could be made. If he did not address the obvious fear and anxiety felt by his citizens, they could have changed their support of the agreement which would have caused delays and change of action. This article highlights how politicians try to mold our opinions by offering the public information and allowing our voices or concerns to be heard. Now that Obama has addressed most of the concerns of the Jewish-American community, he can proceed with the agreement with their support.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Limbitless
College kids make robotic arms for children without real ones By Daphne Sashin
A team of students and graduates from University of Central Florida (UCF) are making electronic arms using their three-dimensional printer on campus. The UCF team currently operate a nonprofit called Limbitless Solutions, which is the only group in existence in the 3-D volunteer network making electronic arms. The team's previous design of the electronic arms required the kids to bend their elbow to control the hand, however since many of the children they design for do not have elbows the team needed to find a new way for the child to control the opening and closing of the hand. The students came up with an idea for an electronic arm that would have a muscle sensor on the child's bicep that would allow them to open and close their hand by flexing their bicep. The students success was sparked after they were featured on segment on the "Today Show", and they now have international attention. Families from 25 countries are asking the students to help their children.
The use of 3-D printers will have a drastic effect on how prosthetics are made. Engineering students like the ones at UCF will continually create new ways to use technology and help adapt old concepts into something more accessible and positive. Hopefully these students can grow their organization so that they can help more children in even more countries, and maybe even develop technology that will become standard in all prosthetics desgin. Overall, I think that these students initiative created something amazing that will help thousands of kids across the globe.
A team of students and graduates from University of Central Florida (UCF) are making electronic arms using their three-dimensional printer on campus. The UCF team currently operate a nonprofit called Limbitless Solutions, which is the only group in existence in the 3-D volunteer network making electronic arms. The team's previous design of the electronic arms required the kids to bend their elbow to control the hand, however since many of the children they design for do not have elbows the team needed to find a new way for the child to control the opening and closing of the hand. The students came up with an idea for an electronic arm that would have a muscle sensor on the child's bicep that would allow them to open and close their hand by flexing their bicep. The students success was sparked after they were featured on segment on the "Today Show", and they now have international attention. Families from 25 countries are asking the students to help their children.
The use of 3-D printers will have a drastic effect on how prosthetics are made. Engineering students like the ones at UCF will continually create new ways to use technology and help adapt old concepts into something more accessible and positive. Hopefully these students can grow their organization so that they can help more children in even more countries, and maybe even develop technology that will become standard in all prosthetics desgin. Overall, I think that these students initiative created something amazing that will help thousands of kids across the globe.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Religious Freedom 101
Freedom Indiana opposing 'religious freedom' bill By Tony Cook
Freedom Indiana is a grass-roots coalition that helped defeat a constitutional same-sex marriage ban in Indiana last year and they are trying to do so again. They are trying to mobilize a "grass-roots army" against Senate Bill 101, which is intended to increase legal protections for those with strong religious beliefs. Freedom Indiana thinks that this bill would allow discrimination against gays and lesbians. Supporter however think that this bill would offer legal protections to business owners who don't want to provide services for same-sex marriages.
I found a more recent story today stating that Indiana did indeed pass the 'religious freedom' bill, click here for article. I am surprised that Freedom Indiana was not more successful in helping defeat this bill due to their success last year. Now that this bill has been passed, it will impact other states who may copy or create similar legislation, and it will raise many questions about the dividing line between discrimination and religious freedom. I think that there will be strong opposition to this bill and that they will not remain silent for long. I am interested to see this legislation will be challenged in the near future.
Freedom Indiana is a grass-roots coalition that helped defeat a constitutional same-sex marriage ban in Indiana last year and they are trying to do so again. They are trying to mobilize a "grass-roots army" against Senate Bill 101, which is intended to increase legal protections for those with strong religious beliefs. Freedom Indiana thinks that this bill would allow discrimination against gays and lesbians. Supporter however think that this bill would offer legal protections to business owners who don't want to provide services for same-sex marriages.
I found a more recent story today stating that Indiana did indeed pass the 'religious freedom' bill, click here for article. I am surprised that Freedom Indiana was not more successful in helping defeat this bill due to their success last year. Now that this bill has been passed, it will impact other states who may copy or create similar legislation, and it will raise many questions about the dividing line between discrimination and religious freedom. I think that there will be strong opposition to this bill and that they will not remain silent for long. I am interested to see this legislation will be challenged in the near future.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Please come back butterflies
Imperiled monarch butterfly to get $3.2 million boost By Todd Leopold
The monarch butterfly has been hurt by habitat loss, environmental problems, and crop changes in recent years. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that it is launching a campaign to save the butterfly. They are partnering with other groups such as the National Wildlife Foundation to raise awareness of the butterfly's problems. The Fish and Wildlife Service has begun its campaign with $1.2 million and will also provide $2 million to fund conservation projects. They plan to encourage "responsible gardening" and chemical pesticides. This effort couldn't have come at a better time because the amount of butterflies migrating has declined from 1 billion in 1996 to 33 million.
The Fish and Wildlife Service's campaign will drastically help the monarch butterfly population in the U.S. I think it is weird that they waited so long to conserve the butterfly population because it has clearly it has been in sharp decline for awhile. They could have prevented the decrease in monarchs if they had acted sooner. Also, I think its crazy how it takes millions of dollars just to raise awareness, but I still think it is a great cause. The Fish and Wildlife Service's efforts will hopefully help cultivate a rebirth of monarchs in the U.S.
The monarch butterfly has been hurt by habitat loss, environmental problems, and crop changes in recent years. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that it is launching a campaign to save the butterfly. They are partnering with other groups such as the National Wildlife Foundation to raise awareness of the butterfly's problems. The Fish and Wildlife Service has begun its campaign with $1.2 million and will also provide $2 million to fund conservation projects. They plan to encourage "responsible gardening" and chemical pesticides. This effort couldn't have come at a better time because the amount of butterflies migrating has declined from 1 billion in 1996 to 33 million.
The Fish and Wildlife Service's campaign will drastically help the monarch butterfly population in the U.S. I think it is weird that they waited so long to conserve the butterfly population because it has clearly it has been in sharp decline for awhile. They could have prevented the decrease in monarchs if they had acted sooner. Also, I think its crazy how it takes millions of dollars just to raise awareness, but I still think it is a great cause. The Fish and Wildlife Service's efforts will hopefully help cultivate a rebirth of monarchs in the U.S.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Bakery Discrimination
Christian bakers face government wrath for refusing to make cake for gay wedding By Todd Starnes
A judge in Oregon ruled that the owners of Sweet Cakes by Melissa did discriminate against a lesbian couple in 2013 when they declined to provide a wedding cake because it would have violated their Christian beliefs. The discriminated couple knew that the laws were on their side because Oregon state law bans discrimination against LGBT people in places that serve the public. The bakery owners received heavy backlash after the incident and after several protests and boycotts by LGBT activists the couple was forced to close up shop. There is another court date set for March 10 in which the owners could be ordered to pay $200,000 in fines and damages.
This case marks an increase of the enforcement of legislation against discrimination of those in the LGBT community. It raises questions of religious liberty and discrimination. I think that it is interesting that the bakery owners declined the couple even though there was legislation in place that specially states that they can not discriminate based on sexual orientation. I know this is not the only incident of discrimination, so I think it will be interesting to see how each state will handle the situation.
A judge in Oregon ruled that the owners of Sweet Cakes by Melissa did discriminate against a lesbian couple in 2013 when they declined to provide a wedding cake because it would have violated their Christian beliefs. The discriminated couple knew that the laws were on their side because Oregon state law bans discrimination against LGBT people in places that serve the public. The bakery owners received heavy backlash after the incident and after several protests and boycotts by LGBT activists the couple was forced to close up shop. There is another court date set for March 10 in which the owners could be ordered to pay $200,000 in fines and damages.
This case marks an increase of the enforcement of legislation against discrimination of those in the LGBT community. It raises questions of religious liberty and discrimination. I think that it is interesting that the bakery owners declined the couple even though there was legislation in place that specially states that they can not discriminate based on sexual orientation. I know this is not the only incident of discrimination, so I think it will be interesting to see how each state will handle the situation.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Teachers Must Pay
Teachers Take Union Dues to Supreme Court By Allie Bidwell
A group of California public schoolteachers petitioned the Supreme Court on Monday to hear a challenge to change laws requiring teachers to pay union dues even though they may disagree with union positions. If this continues to the Supreme Court this could change the way unions operate throughout the country. The lawsuit is aimed at the California Teachers Association and Christian Educators Association International. The ten plaintiffs claim that California's "agency shop" law is unconstitutional and violates their First Amendment rights because they force them to pay union dues regardless if they are a member. Teachers in California pay almost $1,000 annually in union dues.
If this case wins in favor of the plaintiffs there could be drastic changes to the way unions operate in the U.S. "Agency shop" union laws would be considered unconstitutional, so teachers who do not support the union can save their money. I think that teachers have a right to decide whether or not they participate in union activities and programs. Also, they should not have to pay almost $1,000 every year for something that they do not believe in. I hope that this case continues to the Supreme Court and the teachers petition is heard.
A group of California public schoolteachers petitioned the Supreme Court on Monday to hear a challenge to change laws requiring teachers to pay union dues even though they may disagree with union positions. If this continues to the Supreme Court this could change the way unions operate throughout the country. The lawsuit is aimed at the California Teachers Association and Christian Educators Association International. The ten plaintiffs claim that California's "agency shop" law is unconstitutional and violates their First Amendment rights because they force them to pay union dues regardless if they are a member. Teachers in California pay almost $1,000 annually in union dues.
If this case wins in favor of the plaintiffs there could be drastic changes to the way unions operate in the U.S. "Agency shop" union laws would be considered unconstitutional, so teachers who do not support the union can save their money. I think that teachers have a right to decide whether or not they participate in union activities and programs. Also, they should not have to pay almost $1,000 every year for something that they do not believe in. I hope that this case continues to the Supreme Court and the teachers petition is heard.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Obama's very long to-do list
Obama's 2015 State of the Union to-do list By Rebecca Kaplan
In 2014, President Obama told Congress that if they do not do their part he will exercise his executive power. In his 2015 address, there was no such threat. Most of his proposals however, require Congress to act. His to-do list included exercising the veto power because Congress is now in Republican hands. It also covers curing disease with the help of the human genome. This means that he hopes to launch an initiative to help cure diseases like cancer and diabetes with treatments that are based on a person's genetic makeup. Other topics on his to-do list are a call for net neutrality, and balancing civil liberties with aggressive surveillance methods. He needs Congress' help on a few items on his list one of which requires them to overhaul the tax code so that he can implement his plan to make child care more available and affordable. A few other items, are for Congress to pass the Healthy Families Act, for them to increase the minimum wage, and infrastructure. In regards to education, Obama needs Congress to support his plan for two free years of community college and the reduction of student loan payments.
All of Obama's plans are large and vast plans that need the approval or support of Congress. Their support however is very unlikely because he no longer has Democratic support in both houses or in either house for that matter. Obama has a hard road ahead of him, but most of his plans will benefit the country if implemented. I think that Obama has too long of a to-do list which he most definitely will not complete in this year or in the rest of his presidency. Also his list will not be completed because of the lack of support in Congress. Some of his items are interesting such as the humane genome project because it does not seem like something a president would support, but it will benefit the country. Overall I think Obama's State of the Union address consisted of great ideas and plans, but sadly without the support of Congress most of it will be just talk.
In 2014, President Obama told Congress that if they do not do their part he will exercise his executive power. In his 2015 address, there was no such threat. Most of his proposals however, require Congress to act. His to-do list included exercising the veto power because Congress is now in Republican hands. It also covers curing disease with the help of the human genome. This means that he hopes to launch an initiative to help cure diseases like cancer and diabetes with treatments that are based on a person's genetic makeup. Other topics on his to-do list are a call for net neutrality, and balancing civil liberties with aggressive surveillance methods. He needs Congress' help on a few items on his list one of which requires them to overhaul the tax code so that he can implement his plan to make child care more available and affordable. A few other items, are for Congress to pass the Healthy Families Act, for them to increase the minimum wage, and infrastructure. In regards to education, Obama needs Congress to support his plan for two free years of community college and the reduction of student loan payments.
All of Obama's plans are large and vast plans that need the approval or support of Congress. Their support however is very unlikely because he no longer has Democratic support in both houses or in either house for that matter. Obama has a hard road ahead of him, but most of his plans will benefit the country if implemented. I think that Obama has too long of a to-do list which he most definitely will not complete in this year or in the rest of his presidency. Also his list will not be completed because of the lack of support in Congress. Some of his items are interesting such as the humane genome project because it does not seem like something a president would support, but it will benefit the country. Overall I think Obama's State of the Union address consisted of great ideas and plans, but sadly without the support of Congress most of it will be just talk.
Monday, January 5, 2015
Immigration Battle
President Obama allies bank on immigration backfire By Seung Min Kim
Republicans voted to extend the Department of Homeland Security's funding through February in an attempt to try to defer the fight against Obama's executive order until their party had a majority in both houses. Obama's allies are eager for a fight because they believe it will be good politics for them and bad for the GOP. It will be bad politics for the republicans because their attempts to overturn Obama's executive order will make them seem hostile to immigrants and Latinos. Despite the bad politics, Republicans hope that the temporary shut down of DHS will cause a change to Obama's executive order. On February 27, the ending day of funding, most of the department's employees will continue to work. This is because their jobs are essential or they are not funded appropriated by Capitol Hill. During the shutdown in October 2013, DHS employees continued to work despite the shutdown because their jobs are "necessary for the preservation of the safety of human life or the protection of property” and their paychecks were withheld until after the shutdown. Therefore Republicans hopes that the lack of pay to employees could cause a change to the executive order. The wildcard in the attempt to overturn Obama's immigration plan is the lawsuit filed by 24 states. There will be a hearing on January 9th.
The Republicans attempts to overturn the executive order will only cause a lack of paychecks for DHS employees, and won't change the Obama administration's minds. Also, I agree with the article in that the strong efforts to overturn the order will only create bad politics for the Republicans. Overall I think the cut of funding after February for DHS is not a good idea because that department is an essential part of our country's functions. The Republicans should have found a better way to deal with the situation.
Republicans voted to extend the Department of Homeland Security's funding through February in an attempt to try to defer the fight against Obama's executive order until their party had a majority in both houses. Obama's allies are eager for a fight because they believe it will be good politics for them and bad for the GOP. It will be bad politics for the republicans because their attempts to overturn Obama's executive order will make them seem hostile to immigrants and Latinos. Despite the bad politics, Republicans hope that the temporary shut down of DHS will cause a change to Obama's executive order. On February 27, the ending day of funding, most of the department's employees will continue to work. This is because their jobs are essential or they are not funded appropriated by Capitol Hill. During the shutdown in October 2013, DHS employees continued to work despite the shutdown because their jobs are "necessary for the preservation of the safety of human life or the protection of property” and their paychecks were withheld until after the shutdown. Therefore Republicans hopes that the lack of pay to employees could cause a change to the executive order. The wildcard in the attempt to overturn Obama's immigration plan is the lawsuit filed by 24 states. There will be a hearing on January 9th.
The Republicans attempts to overturn the executive order will only cause a lack of paychecks for DHS employees, and won't change the Obama administration's minds. Also, I agree with the article in that the strong efforts to overturn the order will only create bad politics for the Republicans. Overall I think the cut of funding after February for DHS is not a good idea because that department is an essential part of our country's functions. The Republicans should have found a better way to deal with the situation.
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