20 truths

Positives (+):
1.) Civil Rights allow us to be free
2.) Democracy/ Gives more power to the people
3.) Anti-Communism
4.) Any citizen can act to influence government.
5.) All citizens have the right to vote however they wish.
6.) There are committees devoted to the safekeeping of the country.
7.) American's, like Arnold, who have had experiance with other governments claim it is the best around.

Minus (-):
1.) Unemployment
2.) Taxes
3.) Healthcare System
4.) There is too much abuse of power in the Legislative branch in passing legislation.
5.) Too much money spent by Electoral candidate running for any higher government position.
6.) Corruption in Interest Groups/ Lobbyist

7.) Taxes are too high for a government run "by the people for the people"

8.) Democracy is questioned with the overwheleming influences of Democratic and  Republican political parties.

9.) The constitution warned of faction!!

10.) America is in an unrealistic amount of debt, considering our "necessary" spending.

Nuetral (0):
1.) Political Parties: 2 mostly dominate (R and D)
2.) Effects of Ilegal immigration
3.) Although taxes are high, they contribute to the goals of government and decreasing national debt.
4.) Help out other countries with their gov and problems

Podcast 1/6/11

Facts/Opinions:
1. Our health care is two times more per person than in any other County.


2.  The Federalist party originally lost to a party called the "wigs."


3. The Wigs broke down during the Civil War.


4.  We have a nation state that serves the national system and the government.


5. 58% of Americans do want another political party.


6. There is not an equal playing field between different interest groups.


7. Obama gave up on public financing.


8. Post World War II economy climaxed in late 60's


9. A third party should not be fetishsized.


10. The Republicans are against raising taxes for the baby boomers.


11. A third party does not have to win to change an issue.

Democratic Party

Political Party Research
1. The Democratic National Committee plans the Party’s quadrennial presidential nominating convention.
2. Its views are mostly socially liberal and progressive. Thus, center-left in the U.S political spectrum.
3. One of the oldest political parties in the world.
4. 51 Seats in the Senate currently.
5. Debbie Wasserman Schultz is the chairman.
6. 192  Seats in the House
7. Democratic Party currently holds a minority of seats in the House of Representatives
8. The most common mascot symbol for the party is the donkey, although the party never officially adopted this symbol.
9. The Democratic Party supports the death penalty far less than the Republican Party.
10. Democrats call for "affordable and quality health care,"
11. The death penalty is used far lass in Federal courts with the Democrats opposed to the Republicans.
12.) The "Kicking Donkey" party logo is still a well-known symbol for the Democratic Party, despite no longer being the official logo of the party.
13.) The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is responsible for promoting Democratic campaign activities.
14.) Historically, the party has favored farmers, laborers, labor unions, and religious and ethnic minorities; it has opposed unregulated business and finance, and favored progressive income taxes.
15.) In recent decades, the party has adopted a centrist economic and socially progressive agenda, with the voter base having shifted considerably. Today, Democrats advocate more social freedoms, affirmative action, balanced budget, and a free enterprise system tempered by government intervention (mixed economy).

Constituent Letter

http://consumerist.com/2008/09/how-to-write-to-congress.html
Issue: I am choosing to use the pending bill which I selected: H.R. 2129: Drunk Driving Repeat Offender Act of 2011.
Representative:  Bob Filner (D- CA51) (**CO-SPONSER)
Written to Pat Meehen

Dear Representative Meehan, I am aware of the current  H.R. 2129: Drunk Driving Repeat Offender Act of 2011 pending in committees of the House currently, I wish for you to speak out to support this law to send it on it's way to be passed.  Seeing as to how you're involved in the Transportation and Infrastructure committee, the issue of drunk driving should be of importance to you.  From what I have reasearched and learned to understand, the law basically puts the restraint of additional consequences of repeat offenders of driving under the influence of alcohol.  It has come to my attention that the punishment for such repetitive and reckless behavior is a required breathalize like device which would be used to restrict the ignition of the offender's car engine.  This is to obtain a measure of the BAC level of the driver to ensure they are not under the influence of alcohol when operating their vehicle.  Although the law could come off as a violation of privacy to some, it is a fact that driving is a privelage, not a right, and if the right is abused (especially on repeated occassions) then the consequences should become more intense.  I am aware of the many other hefty fines, license suspensions and correctional facility oppertunities which also come complimentary with breaking the DUI laws but with repeat offenders it may actually take a physical limitation to keep them in order.  I have had my  license now for a little less than six months and I want to assure my safety when I am on the road.  That being said, I know the teenage group of new drivers is the most informed of drunk driving dangers as a method of prevention; but if this law is passed down the fear of additional consequences for the stupid behavior may be the step to help us make that right decision.  Lastly, this law should be passed because with any and every effort to restrict citizens from driving under the influence there is another step taking towards saving lives which are taking by the horrible fate.  There are also so many special groups such as MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) who stand behind me on this issue and would offer you gratitute and support as well if you help them.  Pass H.R. 2129: Drunk Driving Repeat Offender Act of 2011 and save lives!                                                                                                                                     

Homelessness Issue

Q's:
1.) Is there homelessness in every state?
2.) What are some of the most relevant causes of homelessness?
3.) How much government funding goes to prevention/management in helping the homeless.. specifically in PA.

*When I lived in the city with my dad we used to see people who either seemed homeless or we knew to be homeless on the streets.  My dad knew a couple of them from outside of Wawa who were Vietnam War Vets but he also knew a couple from other location who were assumed panhandlers.  Those were the kinds of drug addicts who would use/abuse their status as homeless to scam people out of charity and use the money for personal desire, for example drug purchases.


 "According to 2010 Census data, 14.3% of people nationwide are living in poverty.  For the state of Ohio, the rate is 13.6%, but in Athens county, our poverty rate is a shocking 32.8% (Poverty guideline for Athens county is $22,050/year for a family of 4)."  It seems to me from the research I have completed that the 3 main core reasons for homelessness to come about has to do with health issues, substance abuse issues and return from military service (Transitioning from youth to adulthood).  Recently, the number of Americans with no health insurance has been reported at over 50 million.  A major health crisis can be financially ruinous.  While government programs exist to help people with chronic disabling health problems, there is little help while a person goes through the long application process to get such assistance.  People who are too disabled to work can anticipate at least a six months application process for Social Security Disability, but often the appeal process can take two years, leaving many people who qualify for help destitute (and often homeless) in the interim.By no means does every homeless person have a substance abuse problem, but SAMHSA estimates that 38% of people who are homeless are alcohol dependent, and 26% abuse other substances.  The problems that come from long term substance abuse engulf the abuser’s entire life.  Their habit is illegal and leads to more illegal activity, meaning time in and out of jail.  Abuse has a negative impact on a person’s ability to work and maintain relationships.  It also causes chronic health problems and the spread of diseases like Hepatitis.  Southeast Ohio is currently experiencing an epidemic of substance abuse.  “Overdoses surpassed car accidents in 2007 as the leading cause of accidental death in Ohio,” (Andrew Welsh-Huggins, AP article). Donating to various charities or directly helping to build shelters, serve food, and even helping a homeless person to get back on track can all help solve this sad and unnecessary dilemma.  There are many organizations which can help homelessness in a larger and more gigantic scale, even certain government projects assist the cause.  America doesn't need homelessness.
http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/MRC/SocialIssues.html#homeless

http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/foradults/homelessassistance/index.htm


http://www.good-works.net/Why_Do_%20People_Become_Homeless.htm

3 classmates pending bills

3 pending bills:
1.) Jason P: H.R. 1299: Secure Border Act of 2011

• This was put on the Union calendar on Nov. 10th 2011. 
• There would be an increase in border police.
• Some infrastructure would also be built to stop illegals from entering the country. 
• Actions will be taken within 180 days of this passing.
• UAV's and other sensors would be added to protect the border.
• There would be more communication throughtout police departments in the country to help solve this 
• problem. 

2.) Mike K: S:1108: 10 Million Dollar Solar Roofs Act of 2011

• The bill directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program that provides competitive grants to local communities.
• It uses the funds to also pay for training for use of the solar energy systems.
• The bill allows the grants to be used for the development of solar energy projects and programs for the use of new strategies.
• The goal is to establish solar energy systems in no less than 10 million properties by December 31, 2020.
• Its purpose is to use funds for more standardized, efficient, and less expensive ways of providing solar powered energy systems.

3.) Tom: S. 1067: Nuclear Energy Research Initiative Improvement Act of 2011

• It amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to the Secretary of Energy.
• It conducts research to lower the cost of nuclear reactor systems.
• It researches modular and small-scale reactors.
• It is now placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 146.
• CBO estimates that it would cost approx. 213 million dollars over the 2010-2016 period if implemented.

Can we still right about our own bills? otherwise i will write about Mike's  S:1108: 10 Million Dollar Solar Roofs Act of 2011 Bill.

Terry Gross Interview

Facts:
1.You dont need a physical tresspass to create a unreasonable search
2.Open planet is a system that would allow google and facebook to put on a live feed of people and what they did everyday.
3. Can a policeman put a tracking device on someones car and track them is a controversal question and many court judges have had mixed answers. 
4. The problem I said above has the potential to the most important privacy case in the decade.
5. Brandice took a leap when deciding if wire tapping was a invasion of privacy.
6. Rosens new book is a collection of essays that imagine new technological developments that stress constitutional laws.
7. While Europe is more strict, Germany has a greater concern for data collecting than the U.S does.
8. The fourth amendment prohibits the government from unreasonable searches and seizures.
9. Facebook is not regulated by the Constitution so they could theoretically put on the Open planet system. 
10.None of the Amendments give us clear answers to basic problems we have today.

Questions:
1. How can we protect our privacy from social networks such as facebook?
2. What do other countries, beside European ones, think about the open planet system?
3. Why is Europe so strict on privacy laws? Should we follow their footsteps
4. What does the constitution say on privacy?
5. There must be an amendment which defines how much privacy we have and when it is invaded?