College Education Program

As Arctic refuge turns 50, some want drilling ban

On Monday the Arctic National Wildlife refuge will celebrate its 50th anniversary and President Obama is being urged to bestow it with national monument status to prevent it from being drilled for oil. There currently is eleven billion barrels of oil under the beautiful land but this status would block oil companies from ever harvesting it. Members of congress, scientist, and businesses are pressuring the president to put an end to the fight to extract the oil and bestow this great honor. However, all people are not for blocking the oil companies from the rich good, including Alaskans who say the oil is vital to the future energy needs of the United States. This is a great example of the problems the energy issue cause.
-Will Kalish
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40509239/ns/us_news-environment/#

Terrorism makes NYC more wary, gradually

This article depicts the changes New York City has gone through since the 9/11 attacks. Since then New York has taken numerous steps to prevent terrorism. Most people would say that this is a great thing; however, it has been taken way too far. There are now cameras all over the entire city watching citizens at every minute of the day which is an obvious violation of the citizen’s privacy. Also, police are on every corner and occasionally search people’s bags randomly. Now it is important to protect the people, but all of these precautions are making life in the city miserable not only for its current residents but tourists as well, who are not allowed to see attractions which used to be popular.
-Will Kalish
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40509559/ns/us_news-security/#

Obama makes surprise trip to Afghanistan

The primary focus of the president's trip is to meet with and thank U.S. troops. He also will do a secure videoconference meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, after a planned trip to the palace in Kabul as part of the visit was canceled due to bad weather. The new strategy announced last December authorized 30,000 additional troops to be brought in during 2010 to step up the fight. Most of the added forces were in place by October, increasing the U.S. contingent to about 95,000. They are supplemented by 48,000 military personnel from 47 other nations in the coalition, led by NATO.

Post by: Ziying Yuan

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sc-dc-1204-obama-afghanistan-20101203, 0,7077667.story

Wikileaks

It's been a long and restless past few days for the United States a well as significant others including: Saudi Arabia, Iran, and many European countries all due to one man, Julian Assange. Assange recently leaked 220 confidential cables that were never meant for public eyes and gave away secret relations between countries that could potentially jeopardize national security. The United States recently debated whether or not Assange should be tried and prosecuted for espionage or terrorist activities but it seems Interpol beat them to it. Assange claims that he is just the publisher not the "leaker" and should not face penalties under the 1st amendment. Assange's mother desperately pleads for her son's safety, now realizing how many powerful enemies Assange has made with his recent publication of confidential information. Assange calls himself a crusading reporter but is that what he really is? I personally believe he should be prosecuted because even though he hasn't released any Top Secret files YET, Assange did release information that is destroying relationships between once friendly nations and publishing national security secrets that show the way certain organizations operate.


Sam Lanfear
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/12/01/3081532.htm

Higher Taxes, Budget Cuts Needed to Reduce Deficit

Higher Taxes to Reduce Deficit

A majority of Americans believe taxes will have to be raised and government services will have to be reduced in order to cut the federal deficit. President Obama on Monday announced a plan to freeze the pay of government workers in order to save as much as $60 billion over the next decade. The CNBC poll said that 54% of Americans believe that taxes will be raised in order to lower the federal deficit. “Most poll respondents (54 percent) say changes made to close the deficit should be evenly distributed among all Americans-a shared burden with shared sacrifices and shared costs. But, more than a third (38 percent) say the changes should be targeted to impact the wealthy. Only six percent say the changes should focus on low-income citizens.”

            This is unfortunate news for us graduating from college in the next few years. Most likely all of us will fall into one of the higher tax brackets. The tax expenditures proposed are taking money away from us before we ever start to work As young adults we have mostly relied on our parents for financial support. Everyday we see new taxes being created which is going to heavily lower our income.

Senate Passes Overhaul of Food Safety Regulations

The Senate just passed an overhaul of the nation's food safety system. The new legislation will give more power to the FDA and encourage government agencies to be on the lookout for unsafe foods before illness breaks out instead of just dealing with crises as they come along. The bill is unusual in that it has strong bipartisan support.

Direct government and social regulation approaches were the wisest tools of government to use in relation to food safety reform. Foodborne illnesses cause millions of deaths each year, which makes it an immediate problem; manufacturers should not be rewarded with grants for making changes, they should be punished for not meeting standards that shouldn't even be questioned. The passage of this new legislation shows that when used with the appropriate issues, direct government is an effective and valid tool for quick and successful results.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/01/health/policy/01food.html?_r=1&hp

- Stephanie Doctrow

U.S. Expands Role of Diplomats in Spying

The U.S has been using diplomats in order to gather information such as credit card and frequent-flier numbers, work schedules and other personal information about foreign officials. Records of this date back to 2008. State department spokesman Philip J. Crowley denied the new reports, claiming that "Our diplomats are just that, diplomats, They represent our country around the world and engage openly and transparently with representatives of foreign governments and civil society. Through this process, they collect information that shapes our policies and actions. This is what diplomats, from our country and other countries, have done for hundreds of years." While the U.S's use of diplomats may be controversial, it is a step towards better national security.

Tom Millman
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/29/world/29spy.html?_r=1&hp

First Black Thursday... now it's Cyber Sunday

In class on Tuesday we talked about what it took to become a citizen in the U.S. My group talked about how the knowledge of technology is vital to being a U.S. citizen, and being able to use it to have imperative knowledge about this country. In this article it proves that technology is leading to change throughout not only America but across the world. This post talks about how most people are now shopping not only on black Thursday but also cyber Sunday. This is when people shop online and try to get the say deals as people did on Thursday in the stores. Stores are now not only slashing prices for people in stores but for the people on their computers as well.
-Will Kalish
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40401822/ns/business-us_business/

'Sophisticated' border tunnel leads to seizure of tons of pot

While most of us were eating Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, authorities in Mexico and California were seizing between twenty to thirty tons of marijuana. The police found another highly “sophisticated” tunnel leading from Mexico into two warehouses in California. Obviously drug trafficking has changed with the times, but something needs to be done to prevent these tunnels from being built. Most of the force is used around the border, but obviously some people must be allocated to prevent these tunnels from being run underneath the border of Mexico and the U.S. This issue should be paired with the current emigration problem in the United States. Both need to be dealt with to keep our country safe from terrorists, or in this case drug dealers.
-Will Kalish
http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/11/26/california.drug.tunnels/index.html

Shift to State System on Care Management Draws Fire

Within this article Ramshaw mentions that the private providers were stripped of their responsibility of taking care of those with disabilities and giving it to the local Texan government of the Mental Retardation Authorities. This is something that has to be taken on by the Legislature. Ms. Castle states that "The state has created a situation where future growth is primarily in the private sector, but they’re still allowing a public sector option for consumers who feel more comfortable there.”
This is connected to what we are learning in class about direct government. When responsibility is taken away from the public and given to the government.


Elizabeth Sziler



http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/28/us/28ttmanagement.html?ref=todayspaper

U.S. lawmakers seek China's help with North Korea

North Korea attacked a South Korean island last week killing four people. U.S officials hope that China will put pressure on North Korea to end the attacks against South Korea. China has a great deal of influence over the North Korean economy, world powers hope that china will use economic policies to control North Korea. As of now it doesn’t seem like China plans to use their influence. South Korea and The United States are participating in military exercises near North Korea. These exercises are meant in part to show the North Korean government that their actions are being watched and that the U.S. is not backing down.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-lawmakers-korea-20101129,0,1146438.story

BLACK FRIDAY

Black Friday this year was a mass display of America's return to shameless capitalism. Thousands of consumers battled the long lines and inclement weather in hopes of scoring great deals. Retailers, especially prominent chains, offered blanket discounts on all items, most likely trimming the profit margin, but, nonetheless, stimulating the economy and incentivizing customers. It seems as though Americans are finally becoming comfortable enough with the market to spend excessively again. Regardless, there are still those trends indicating frugality. Price-value relationships for products were under heavy scrutiny by the more savvy shoppers. This year, more than previous years, consumers opted to purchase items for themselves rather than others, assuring that they would get exactly what they need at the lowest price possible.

Health Care Law Faces Threat of Undercut From Courts

Officials are currently preparing for the possibility that a federal judge in Virginia will soon reject the health care law as being unconstitutional as the Obama administration continues to push forward with it and will, unfortunately for the White House, halt its enforcement until higher courts can rule. While administrators do remain confident that it is constitutionally possible to compel people to obtain health insurance, they do acknowledge that Judge Hudson’s premature opinions and comments could possibly presage the first ruling against the law. This is an example of evaluation because the policy of the health care law is not being implemented effectively since some are saying the law is unconstitutional while other administrators are encouraging Americans to obtain health insurance.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/27/us/politics/27health.html?_r=1&ref=us

Kilee Imlay

US criticises Iceland over 'unsustainable' whaling

Whaling has been an issue of discussion on many international agendas. Currently, Iceland, Japan, and Norway are the only three countries in the world that commercially catch whales. On Thursday, the U.S. government warned Iceland that their whaling practices threatened the sustainability of the mammal, in particular endangered fin whales. Iceland has increased their whale harvest to two to three times the level recommended by the International Whaling Commission. The U.S. plans to enforce social and economic regulations in order to control this global issue. Since whaling is not considered illegal, the goal is to at least impose sustainable fishing practices. Icelandic authorities plan to protest against the US criticism, saying there are sufficient whales in its waters to continue increasing the quota.


-Rebecca Jania


http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101125/sc_afp/icelanduswhaling

Sarah Palin, Mitt Romney are tops for GOP voters looking to 2012

Reporting from Washington . Four familiar names lead the pack in a new poll testing the very early landscape in the Republican race for president in 2012.

A new poll finds Republican favorites for the presidential race are Sarah Palin, Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee and Newt Gingrich. Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty is a distant fifth; Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels is a dark horse.

Three questions to determine if Palin is serious about being a successful presidential candidate: 1) Does she broaden her appeal… 2) Does she become more disciplined?... 3) Does she expand her policy portfolio?... New Q-poll shows Palin performing the worst among other GOPers in a head-to-head against Obama… The president's trip to Portugal was more successful than his trip to Asia… START has become the next big Washington battle… Expect to see more White House staff movement sooner rather than later…

Post by: Ziying Yuan

http://www.latimes.com/news/custom/la-pn-quinnipiac-poll-20101123,0,1130307.story

Board Floats Voucher Plan

Education reform is proving to be a hot topic as of late. Originating in a wealthy suburb of Denver, Colorado, a new, educational outlook is being considered. Policy proposals entailing the use of public funds, functioning as vouchers, to be allocated to parents in order to send their children to private and almost exclusively, faith-based institutions are up for debate in Douglas County. These proposals include provisions that would allow students to not only enroll full-time in a private school but also study privately with distinguished professors and professionals within the community. It seems this coupling of public and private resources is enabling students to receive a customized education, as opposed to merely managing them in a traditional system.

As Officials Face Charges, a City Tries to Move On

In the town of bell in California top city officials used their power to get higher salries, and low interest loans. Most of these officials have stepped down. Once official made atleast 800000 dollars a year. It says they received at least 5.5 million in benefits, and in the meantime interim officials will take their place before others are voted in. This is connected to class because it is an example of how government officials can be corrupt and how local governments deal with these types of problems.
-Matthew Abelman
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/22/us/politics/22bell.html?ref=us

Advertise on NYTimes.com Importing Coal, China Burns It as Others Stop

This article discusses how china has now become one of the leaders in the world in importing coal. Other countries, such as the US has limited the use on coal because in is bad for the environment. The US ships it to china via Canada. It is expected that there will be even greater markets for coal in china in the future.

-Matthew Abelman


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/22/world/asia/22fossil.html?_r=1&hp

Controversial Painkiller Darvon Pulled at FDA's Request

Darvon, a controversial prescription painkiller, was pulled off the market shelves on Friday at the request of federal regulators because apparently there are concerns that the drug can cause fatal heart problems. The company that makes Darvon, called Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals Inc., located in Newport, Kentucky, agreed to withdraw the medication at the request of the FDA. Also, companies making generic versions of the drug, known as propoxyphene, will also be removing their products from the market. This removal is being put into action because the FDA recently received new data that shows that the drug puts patients at risk for potentially fatal heart rhythm abnormalities. This is an example of how government is stepping in and socially regulating this product to make sure it does not threaten the public health, safety, welfare, or well-being of citizens.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/19/AR2010111905867.html

Kilee Imlay

Air Quality in Beijing sucks

The United States embassy in Beijing independently monitor the air quality. Last Friday that number topped 500 on the index. The poor air quality forced schools to cancel outside activities. Experts also asked that anyone with respiratory diseases to stay inside. People living in surrounding areas have complained that the government's measurement system consistently underreports the severity of the problem. Experts say Beijing's frequently bad air can be attributed to a growing number of factories and villages on the outskirts of the city that are burning coal for the winter, and 1,200 new cars hit the roads each day.

Hayden Wolf

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gMA1y8RfWfOIrWquO5dKS4bDAIoQ?docId=f231f85e52a444c6956e6fc91429a5f1

Obama stands by controversial air security screening methods

President Barack Obama spoke in support of the new controversial screening measures on Saturday, saying that the pat-downs and body scans are necessary to assure airline safety. Obama stood by the measures because of events such as when Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab of Nigeria boarded a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit with a bomb hidden in his underwear last Christmas. The tightened security has caused an uproar amongst people traveling for the holidays. "At this point, the Transportation Security Administration, in consultation with our counter-terrorism experts, have indicated to me that the procedures that they've been putting in place are the only ones right now that they consider to be effective against the kind of threat that we saw in the Christmas Day bombing," said the President. According to a statement from the federal agency, TSA officers can use "professional discretion" to determine when an individual should be subject to further screening. The fact that individuals are becoming angry because of a policy that makes traveling safer seems foolish.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/11/20/obama.tsa/index.html

Growing Up Digital, Wired for Distraction.....awww shucky ducky now.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/21/technology/21brain.html?_r=1&ref=technology

Middle school and high school teachers are finding that students are spending more time engaged with technological devices to supplement their learning. Researchers have found that a generation of students are effectively re-wiring their brains in a way that the brain is rewarded for how quick it can move on to new information as opposed to maintaining attention. Ironically, many schools are seeking to find innovative ways to teach students, by buying more technologically advanced media devices, usually through acquiring grants. One school received 3 milliion dollars for one school corporation. This is important from a policy proposal standpoint because funding has to be allotted to a program that is believed to actually fix a problem, which would be a learning "curve", if you will.

-Jordan Hamilton

DARE

DARE has decided to launch a new anti drug campaign with particular emphasis on meth.  Single parent Paula Minkler was interviewed after her son committed suicide during a meth binge.  She claims that people realize meth is harmful to your health, but what most people don't understand is the violence associated with meth usage.  DARE’s campaign is relevant because it can be looked at as a hortatory government tool used to encourage good behavior.  Personally I feel that advertising campaigns have little to no effect on people’s drug usage decisions.  Instead the people we choose to surround ourselves with have the largest influence on our decisions.

-Robbie Nichols

http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/meth/articles/yelm-online-09040.pdf

Democrats unhappy with Obama's tactics plot change

Democratic donors are becoming more irritated by what they see as “Obama’s weakness in battling Republicans.” Many of these donors are part of the Democracy Alliance which is “an organization of wealthy Democrats that provides funding to liberal groups.” Many important Democrats plan to discuss the possibility of forming an “operation” to compete with newly made republican strategic groups. Democrats hope that these new third party organizations will help them maintain control of the White House in the next election and “remobilize” the democratic base that made Obama’s election possible. This includes African Americans, Latinos and individuals under 30. This unease comes after Democrats loss in the congressional elections.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-democrats-2012-20101119,0,957684.story

In business outreach, Obama mulls lobby group speech

In an attempt to further emphasis the government’s switch to the New Governance Paradigm, which utilizes the relationship between the public and private sector, President Barack Obama is considering giving a speech in January to the Chamber of Commerce, a major business lobby, as part of a new outreach to corporations. Obama’s administration has been accused of having policies that have been portrayed as unfriendly to business. After the November 2 congressional elections, which handed Republicans control of the House of Representatives and decreased Democrats' majority in the Senate, Obama said he had to do a better job of making sure the business community knew they had a supporter in the White House.

-Rebecca Jania

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20101120/pl_nm/us_obama_business

Over 95 Percent of 9/11 Workers Approve Settlement

Just over 95 percent of the of the workers that sued the city of new york over 9/11 have approved of a negotiated settlement that would total 625 million dollars in payouts. City workers including firemen, police officers and others claimed in their lawsuits that the city did not provide adequate protective equipment and supervision, which in turn caused them to develop respiratory and other illnesses that affected them later. individual payments will range from $3,250 to $1.8 million. this was agreed upon after a legal battle lasting 7 years.

Tom Millman
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/20/nyregion/20zero.html?_r=1&hp

Young Voters feel abandoned

When Obama won 2 years ago with a historic 66% of the 18 to 30 year old voter group. Now the under 30 voters are feeling disappointed as they had hoped to "play a bigger role in the Obama agenda." Why did Obama only seem to focus on the young voter when beneficial for him? A combination of hard feelings and the midterm effect has made the under 30 group "less involved and more ambivilant." This is an example of the decline in social capital. The under 30 voter group was coherent and mobilized when they believed in the promises Obama made. Now young voters are not doing their part because of "dissipation of trust relations by government."

Aria Greenberg

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/01/us/politics/01generationo.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=no%20young%20voters&st=cse

Pat-Downs at Airports Prompt Complaints

Airplane travelers have been expressing complaints at the Transportation Security Administration's new, more aggressive full-body searches. Travelers complain of inappropriate contact and comments, and a feeling of powerlessness and humiliation at the new search policy. These complaints are coming in on top of the public's privacy concerns relating to the full-body scanners used at many major airports.

This issue shows the possible difficulties with using direct government as a tool to handle a situation. The TSA is a direct department of the federal government, so its policies are an extension of the executive branch. Direct government is the most effective tool to use when dealing with security issues, but the problem is that the public do not get to have any input in the policies or choose whether or not to follow them. In the case of airport security, direct government is the best option so passengers will just have to learn to adapt to the new standards.

- Stephanie Doctrow

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/19/business/19security.html?ref=us

F.D.A. Issues Warning Over Alcoholic Energy Drinks

This article talks about the newest controversy in caffeine and alcohol mixed drinks. F.D.A commissioner Margaret Hamburg states "drinks appeared to pose a serious public health threat because the caffeine masked the effects of the alcohol, leading to “a state of wide-awake drunk.” This state of mind can lead to many fatal situations and is being banned all together. The F.D.A has given companies up to 15 days to stop adding caffeine to the alcohol drinks or just stop selling in general. This is related to social regulation, ensuring the public’s safety. The regulation of making caffeine and alcohol mixed drinks illegal is to ensure the well being of Americans.



Elizabeth Sziler

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/18/us/18drinks.html?ref=todayspaper

Midterms Threaten Obama’s Rail Plans

The Obama administration’s signature transportation initiative is almost always described as “high-speed rail.” But more than half of the $10.4 billion the administration has awarded for rail so far has not gone toward real bullet trains, but to build slower, conventional train lines that it hopes will form the foundation of a nationwide high-speed rail network.

Now, though, that strategy is being tested by this month’s midterm election results, which have halted a couple of the administration’s biggest train projects.

Work on a pair of conventional rail lines in the Midwest is grinding to a stop now that Ohio and Wisconsin have elected Republican governors who are threatening to spurn $1.2 billion in federal rail money that their Democratic predecessors had sought and won. The governors-elect are concerned that the new trains will not be fast enough or transformative enough to convert their state’s drivers into paying railroad passengers.

Now more and more people are lost their confidents on Obama because he didn't finish his promise, I think because of all the publice issue is hard to done, and it is not his problem that the public issue haven't fix well, it's because of the determine of the society, it is a long time for Obama, I think we have to give him some times.

Reid to Push to Allow End of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

In a direct challenge to Republicans who support the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy barring gay men and lesbians from serving openly in the armed forces, the Senate majority leader, Harry Reid of Nevada, said he would push ahead with a military policy bill that includes language authorizing the Pentagon to repeal the ban.

Senator John McCain of Arizona, the senior Republican on the Armed Services Committee, led his colleagues in blocking consideration of the bill in September in part because it allowed the repeal of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. Mr. McCain has not changed his position, and Democrats had been considering stripping the provision to advance the legislation.

But the White House on Wednesday repeated President Obama’s commitment to repealing the ban. In a statement later in the day, Mr. Reid said he would bring the bill to the floor, with the repeal language in place. “We need to repeal this discriminatory policy so that any American who wants to defend our country can do so,” Mr. Reid said.

Some people think " Don't ask, Don't tell" is not care about the soldiers, this policy is hurt soldiers and not supported by the soldiers, they just want to keep this phenomenon secretly so that they can still look good, but I think, if you don't care about the soldiers, how they trust you, and give their lives for you to protect our people?

California Court Backs Illegal Immigrant Students

LOS ANGELES — In a unanimous decision, the California Supreme Court ruled Monday that illegal immigrants can be eligible for the same reduced tuition at public colleges and universities as legal residents of the state.

The ruling is the latest in a series of high-profile battles about state immigration policies. In addition to Arizona’s strict new immigration law, which the United States Department of Justice has challenged in court, nine other states have laws similar to California’s, with lawsuits pending in Nebraska and Texas.

Currently, students who attend at least three years of high school in California and graduate are eligible for in-state tuition at public schools, which can save them as much as $12,000 a year compared with students who come from other states.

Illegal immigrants remain ineligible for state or federal financial aid.

The California court ruled that the 2001 state law does not conflict with a federal prohibition on education benefits for illegal immigrants based on residency, in part because United States citizens from other states who attend high school in California may also benefit.

That is really interesting that the illegel immigrants can get the same tuition as a resident student, and I think it is a poblic issue, that means on one hand the US are chasing the illegel immigrants and on the other hand, the illegel immigrants' children can share the benifit with the legel American in school. I think this is a way the American government make up the economic problem.

publicans may be less eager than Obama for bipartisanship

Presidential aides accepted the explanations. White House press secretary Robert Gibbs joked Wednesday that the announcement of a new date for the gathering, Nov. 30, is a sign that " bipartisanship has happened." It appeared to signal that Republicans are less eager than the White House to begin a new era of bipartisanship, and it was a stark example of Obama's diminished ability to bend lawmakers to his would. Many conservative activists don't want the GOP to compromise on any major issues. And as Obama has suggested that he wants to reach a deal on tax cuts with the GOP, his party's base has criticized him.

Post by: Ziying Yuan

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2010/11/17/AR2010111707547.html

Plans to Increase Civic Engagement in Public Schools

In relation to our class discussion today about civic engagement, this article talks about getting parents involved within their child's schooling. They say this will help eliminate non-academic barriers to learning, such as poverty and substance abuse. We can see this is obviously an important facet of American governance because federal funds are being allocated for this project and the realization has occurred that people come from all walks of life and it is ultimately one's personal life/actions that create who they are. School districts can be considered social capital because they provide mutual benefit between the students and community. America must work before it loses its social capital.

http://www.salemnews.net/page/content.detail/id/535190/Plans-to-get-parents-involved-in-schools-to-include-other-barriers.html?nav=5007

Michelle Watkins

Let's Move! Campaign

First lady Michelle Obama has been rallying for healthier lifestlyes since the rates of obesity has risen. Michelle came up with the Let's Move campaign for child obesity and it has recently gained much attention in the public eye. The U.S. Senate passed the "Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act," which will give millions more children access to healthier meals by creating new nutrition standards for all foods served in public schools. Children will be served the same familiar foods they know such as pizza and chicken nuggets but made with more healthy ingredients and the meal with come with more fruits and vegetables. This is relevent to our class because one team is making a policy on child obesity and Michelle Obama could be a source for them because she is passionate about this and it is a major problem in the U.S.






http://www.essence.com/news/hot_topics_4/first_ladys_lets_move_campaign_gains_spe.php

Top GOP senator flips on proposal to ban earmarks

One of the top Republicans in the Senate, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, reversed his views on pork-barrel projects, more commonly referred to as “earmarks.” Earmarking is the longtime Washington practice in which lawmakers insert money for home-state projects, like road or bridge work, into spending bills. McConnell had been a strong defender of earmarking, even in a recent speech and a Sunday morning talk show appearance. Then, he had argued that earmarks shift too much power to President Barack Obama and wouldn't save taxpayers any money. McConnell said, " there is simply no doubt that the abuse of this practice has caused Americans to view it as a symbol of the waste and the out-of-control spending that every Republican in Washington is determined to fight."

-Rebecca Jania



http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101115/ap_on_go_co/us_mcconnell_earmarks

More European Financial Woes

The European union is facing another financial crisis with the Ireland's national budget approval on the not so distant horizon. The country is teetering on the verge of bankruptcy and to save the collective the European Union is planning on giving roughly 85 billion euros to aid the country. Now here's the catch, many officials in Ireland a fighting against receiving the bailout because it would damage it's sovereignty, and impose a large debt to be paid to the International Monetary Fund. The policy tools in use here are making Ireland hesitant, a lot of the money will be loaned in a direct government fashion which undermines national sovereignty. At the same time Ireland is actively trying to balance its budget without receiving a bailout. As an outsider one has to note that this is the exact reason that so many people were against forming the EU in the first place, beacuse of the risk of individual countries endangering the collective.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/16/business/global/16euro.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&ref=business

A School Fights for Life in Battered Haiti

In keeping with my trend to connect my posts with my teams policy proposal that is about education, I found this article about a girl's school in Haiti. Many may not realize that after the tragedy in Haiti, the already shaky educational system was hit very hard when school buildings were destroyed. This article reports on how excited the young girls of the Collège Classique Féminin were more than ecstatic to begin their first school year after the earth-quake. The first thing that comes to mind is just how much we in the American school systems take education for granted. How many of us would really be this excited to return to school?

-Victoire

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/15/world/americas/15haiti.html?_r=1&hp

Aid Spawns Backlash in Haiti

Despite increased international response to its devastating earthquake, Haitian health care has not managed to be revitalized. Haiti's most prominent hospital, L'Hôpital de l'Universite d'Etat d'Haiti, is still not getting the medical reconnaissance it deserves. This is primarily due in part to the the bureaucracy that surrounds new allocation of funds from the Haitian government to charitable organizations. The NGOs also seem to have a disconnect in the implementation of this cost-allocation system. They are losing the ability to funnel the much-needed money through their top-down implementation approach. While there are clearly defined goals in helping this hospital care for earthquake victims and general patients, the objectives have not seemed to translate so explicitly to the lower levels in the chain of command.

Paychecks for CEOs Climb

The chief executives of the largest U.S. public companies enjoyed bigger paydays in their latest fiscal year. This was in a direct relationship to the increase of share prices recovered and profits soared. Once again this is a prime example of chief executives in large public companies soaring in profits and with their paychecks with no regard to anyone else in this recession. According to an analysis of CEOs at these 456 companies and their latest proxy filings for The Wall Street Journal by consulting firm Hay Group, the median pretax value of CEO salaries, bonuses and longterm incentives, such as grants of stock and stock options, rose by 3% to $7.23 million. The overall increase mostly reflects the larger study's inclusion of 65 companies whose fiscal years ended after January 3, thus encompassing more of the recovery. Many boards lowered the bar, with easier targets on bonuses and more reliance on restricted stock not tied to performance goals. Basically, in analysis of this article recently these public companies that have been giving back more to their shareholders and not just all about just the CEO making the "bucks" are getting higher standards by analyses'.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704756804575608434290068118.html?mod=WSJ_hp_LEFTTopStories

Arizona voters approve medical marijuana measure

This article titled Arizona voters approve medical marijuana measure is a piece that reviews the passing of a measure that will legalize medical marijuana in Arizona. 50.1% of the voters voted yes on proposition 203. In a statement the Marijuana policy project said anyone suffering from AIDS, cancer, and other illnesses with a recommendation from a doctor will benefit from this passing. It is relevant to class because it is an example of a public problem, and with enough support from the public of Arizona was able to get this proposition of the ballot and fix the problem.

-Matthew Abelman
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/11/14/arizona.medical.marijuana/index.html

Growing backlash against TSA body scanners, pat-downs

The airports are already avoided due to the long security delays, and they just might get worse. Numerous groups are fighting the new full body scanners that are being placed in airports across the nation. This full body scanners and full pat downs are causing people to boycott. People are saying that the equipment could be hazardous to their health and they should not be treated like criminals and be patted down. The issue of airplane security is very important, but the long delays in security are vital as well. Groups are urging citizens not to use airplanes and if they do to refuse the detector and make the wait longer with a full body search.
-Will Kalish
Growing backlash against TSA body scanners, pat-downs

Sustainable Design

This article from the New York Times shares various opinions of the green/sustainability movement in the USA.  It also talks about various techniques real estate developers can utilize to ensure that their developments meet green standards.  It mentions the LEED certification system and checklist which is a checklist of sustainable methods a developer can follow in order to receive LEED certification.  Sustainable building is very important in today’s world and more and more people are holding developers to a higher standard.  A building can last many years and it is essential that throughout its lifetime it emits as little toxins as possible.  The article goes on to explain that developers who utilize sustainable methods in the construction of a building can be eligible for a variety of tax cuts and other incentives.  This relates to class because it is an example of government tax expenditures.

-Robbie Nichols

http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/s/sustainable_design/for_the_home/index.html?scp=3&sq=green%20building&st=cse

Students aware of Four Loko risks, keep drinking

An emerging issue across the United States is the drink call Four Loco and the effects it has on drinkers. The drink is a larger size can that contains tons of caffeine and is equivalent to five beers. All of this in one can for around three dollars somehow leads to people drinking way too much and getting sick. The debate has already to begun on the dangerous drink and has been banned in some areas. The tools of government have already been put in use. Some towns have made regulations to ban the sale of these drinks. Other places have just begun by notifying people of the dangers of the drink. Either way the government has already stepped in to regulate the problem.
-Will Kalish
http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/11/14/maryland.four.loko/index.html

Should You Be Snuggling With Your Cell Phone?

It has been determined that holding a cell phone against your ear as well as stuffing it in a pocket against your body may be hazardous to your health. The warning against this hazardous behavior is only mentioned in fine print in the little slip of paper that you toss aside when you open your phone, so therefore the warning is generally missed by an awful lot of customers. Since health issues arise from ordinary use of this hardware, it affects not only a large span of customers but also a huge industry. Brain cancer is one of the major concerns, but overall there has not been a general increase in its incidence since cell phones arrived. This poses a public problem because now that people are more aware of the dangers of cell phones, the demand for cell phones may decrease and therefore hurt the industry.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/14/business/14digi.html?src=me&ref=general

Kilee Imlay

Panel Seeks Social Security Cuts and Higher Taxes

The commission on reducing the national debt devised a plan that calls for deep cuts in domestic and military spending, a gradual 15 cents a gallon increase in the federal gasoline tax, limiting or eliminating popular tax breaks in return for lower rates, and benefit cuts and an increased retirement age for social security. This relates to our in class discussion on tax expenditures, or special provisions in the income tax system that provide financial incentives to individuals. This plan would reduce the cost of living, including social security, but the issue of equity arises in that the government is making budget cuts in other areas and while taxes are being increased gradually it could make a world of difference to low income individuals.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/11/us/politics/11fiscal.html?scp=1&sq=tax%20expenditures&st=cse

-Kelly Neary

Backers of Legal Marijuana Find Silver Lining in Defeat of California Measure

This article talks about the recent Proposition 19 that would have legalized marijuana in California. Even though marijuana hasn’t been legalized yet, with about 48% supporting the proposition it shows that there’s hope for 2012. The main debate is how much tax revenue would have been made if marijuana were to have been made legal. This topic connects to what Birkland discusses as social regulation, rules and regulation that improve and benefit well-being of Americans. Citizens won’t vote to legalize marijuana until they are told that it is not threatening to health and well-being to their families. Yet, many believe the campaign was a success because it educated people and brought the issue to the mainstream.

Eizabeth Sziler


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/14/us/14pot.html?ref=todayspaper

Social Security Judge A Dangerous Profession

Judges who hear social security disability cases are receiving more and more threats of violent nature. They are receiving these threats due to denial of coverage/benefits or delays in processing. There were over 80 threats to harm or kill administrative law judges or staff over the last year. Nearly 2 million people are waiting to find out if they qualify for benefits, with many having to wait more than two year to see a initial payment. Judges blame this hostility on claimants becoming desperate after years of fighting for money to help make ends meet. No judges have been harmed this year, there have however, been previous incidents: A judge in Low Angeles was hit over the head with a chair during a hearing, a judge in N.Y. was punched by a claimant when he arrived to work. In January, a gunman killed a security guard during a furious gunbattle at a Nevada federal courthouse. There are about 1,400 administrative judges that handle Social Security appeals, at about 150 offices across the country, many are leased office buildings instead of proper government buildings. They lack the proper security and steps are being taken to improve the effectiveness of office security.

Hayden Wolf

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101114/ap_on_go_ot/us_judges_threats;_ylt=AtzCjuCPvJ.S0f.edP1lZVas0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNtMDU4azRkBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAxMTE0L3VzX2p1ZGdlc190aHJlYXRzBGNjb2RlA21vc3Rwb3B1bGFyBGNwb3MDMTAEcG9zAzcEcHQDaG9tZV9jb2tlBHNlYwN5bl9oZWFkbGluZV9saXN0BHNsawNzb2NpYWxzZWN1cmk-

Watchdog Planned for Online Privacy

After many past administrations have avoided internet privacy laws, Obamas staff has taken the initiative on creating internet regulations. With the amount of personal information available on the internet and the increase in social networking this type of law is a necessity to keep the internet safe and private. Currently there is no law in the United States that protects online users except the FTC "which can take action only if a privacy-violating action is deemed "deceptive" or "unfair."
The Interactive Advertising Bureau, which is responsible for ads on the internet, is already trying to argue against any new type of privacy laws stating that "We believe we are living up to consumer-privacy expectations and are very advanced in privacy protections and innovations."

What actions should the United States take? Should they adopt stricter regulations like Canada or Germany?

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703848204575608970171176014.html?mod=WSJ_business_whatsNews

Ambition is curbed, but Democrats still have a lame-duck agenda

As Democrats head into the lame-duck session they will have to pick and choose carefully which issues they try to push through congress. When Republican’s take over the House Democrats will most likely not be able to pass many of their reforms such as the repeal of the “don’t-ask don’t-tell” policy and cap and trade environmental policies. Republican’s don’t plan on standing down or compromising once they take control of the House, they feel the American people are now behind them. Because of this it is important to the White House that Democrats put the right issues on the decision agenda to enact as many policies as possible before the party loses their majority standing in the House.

Kate White

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-lame-duck-20101113,0,3743650.story

Public to be given more food safety information

  The government vowed on Tuesday to make more information available to the public regarding food safety and announced a number of ministries will be involved in the initiative. The measure comes just a little more than a year after China enacted its food safety law, which provides a legal basis for consumer rights.
  The quality of food is always a huge public issun in China, for example, the Sanlu Milk incident, the perishable edible oil incident. Which all these things will bring a potential fear to the people and make them worry about the food in their daliy life. So, the relevant government need enhance the strength of food text and strictly punish the food company which product unprotective food. What's more, implementing appropriate policy to regulate the food field in China.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2010-11/10/content_11524860.htm

Is a simpler tax system possible?

A group of economists headed by Sir James Mirrlees, a Nobel -prize winning economist, recently urged world officials “to do more than tinker at the margins”. They argued for an even greater progressive tax( a tax that places burdan on rich) and a simpler tax system. But is this possible? It is true that the United States is leaning towards a progressive tax and it was widely speculated Former President Bush’s tax cut for the rich would not be renewed in the current Obama administration. However, can a tax system focused on equity be simpler? The truth is our tax system is complex due to the diversity of citizens in the United States. It is unlikely a simpler tax is possible for the United States.

Labor board: Facebook vent against supervisor not grounds for firing

The article discusses an emergency medical technician in Connecticut who made disparaging remarks about her supervisor on her facebook page. She was fired shortly after, but the company, American Medical Response, cites her behavior to patients as the reason for her dismissal. She has brought suit against the company, trying to regain her position with the company. The National Labor Relations board has issued a complaint against the company as well. Social network and email monitoring is currently a hot issue. Many arguements have arisen about how far companies can go in monitoring. I feel that what is done outside of the workplace is not related to business unless it directly hurts a companies reputation or business. The issue in no way has concrete rules involved in policing it, so some social regulation needs to be implemented. If there are restrictions put on where people can social network from (not at work), and how companies can use social networking against people, then court cases like this would cease to exist. This particular court case is groundbreaking because it is the first of its kinda and without social regulations in place, many are sure to follow.

Killian Probst

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/social.media/11/09/facebook.firing/index.html?hpt=T2

Obama returns to Indonesia

Many observers say Obama’s ties to Indonesia, where he spent four years of his childhood, would usher in a new area friendship between the two nations. But a decision to cut short his trip due to travel threats posed by an erupting volcano made some doubt the sincerity of the speech he gave Wednesday morning.

The Friends of Obama, an eccentric group of Indonesians and ex-patriots that includes former classmates, neighbors and teachers, and friends of his half-sister, gathered at a Tex-Mex restaurant to share stories about the boy they knew as "little Barry."

And in the end, perhaps the most important thing to Indonesians was having the world spotlight show a bit of commonality between it and the US.

Post by: Ziying Yuan

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-News/2010/1110/Obama-returns-to-Indonesia-and-for-some-that-s-all-that-mattered

For-profit colleges to face new regulations?

The federal government sees the need to improve the monitoring of for-profit schools after being accused of using deceptive tactics to lure students into taking on high debt for poor education. The rules include the ability to take action against schools engaging in deceptive advertising and marketing and eliminating federal aid to those programs with low paying jobs at graduation. Students enrolled in for profit colleges account for 26% of all student loans and 43% of loan defaulters. It is clear something needs to be done to control these schools before the problem gets worse. Banks, students, and the government are all unhappy. By using direct government and social regulation, these problems can be fixed. They must use a top-down approach because the goals are clearly defined and we will have an easier time assessing the effectiveness of these new regulations.

http://articles.latimes.com/2010/oct/29/nation/la-na-colleges-profit-20101029

Michelle Watkins

Teacher’s Death Exposes Tensions in L.A. Schools

Mr. Ruelas was known as a teacher who stayed late and came in early to help his students but when the Los Angeles Times released a database of every teacher in L.A school district, he was rated "less effective than average." Colleagues and family member say that he became more depressed afterwards and they are certain that this is what lead to his suicide. Now it is being debated whether or not this database which is used nationally is a flawed assessment of teachers and their teaching. My team's policy is one that focuses on elementary school children and getting them to college. This report makes me think twice about the ways in which we may have been planning to assess teachers in our program.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/10/education/10teacher.html?hp

-Victoire Iradukunda

Now in Power, G.O.P. Vows Cuts in State Budgets

Today’s article discusses the republicans who have taken over state plan on reducing the nation’s budget deficit by reducing extra costs such as reducing public workers benefits, reduce social services and also even selling of state liqour stores. Also with about 690 seats in congress being republican they have even considered cutting back on Obamas health plan.

This connects with what we are learning in class with the use of direct government. Americans are asking to have a smaller deficit in the country but may not realize the expenses that may have to be cut. With the republicans in majority of congress going to help our nation by reducing a lot of other benefits/costs? Many say there’s enough to make a big difference.

Elizabeth Sziler


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/08/us/politics/08govs.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper

While Warning About Fat, U.S. Pushes Cheese Sales

This article in the New York Times describes the falling sales of Domino's Pizza and the USDA's subsequent push for greater cheese consumption in America.

Despite cheese being loaded with saturated fat and calories, the USDA has pushed cheese in order to help out Dairy Management and the slew of restaurants that purchase from it. While Michelle Obama is seeking to combat American obesity, private interests are continuing to take the precedence over what is true and beneficial to the health of the American public.

This appears to be an excellent example of a government agency having it's legitimacy tarnished by the behavioral issue of regulated industry.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/07/us/07fat.html?src=me&ref=general

Another article on this topic can be found in the Opinion section of the Indiana Daily Student:

http://www.idsnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=78284

School referendums voted down in many districts

The article discusses local votes on school referendums. The recent large budget cuts in Indiana's school systems had many impacts. Many teachers have lost their jobs, programs have been cut, salaries of coaches have been cut, and many more. School districts of Indiana were hoping taxpayers would step in and help raise the money needed to save these programs and jobs.
However, the tax payers voted against more spending. There were very few schools that voted yes to the referendums, but these schools had needs such as new air conditioning or new roofs.
Why are taxpayers voting against the school referendums? Without more money going into the school systems more jobs will need to be cut, classroom sizes will increase, and more programs will disappear.

-Elizabeth Woollen

http://www.fox59.com/news/wxin-school-referendums-voted-down-110210,0,1395966.story

Bye-bye, tax breaks?

The article discusses how lowering taxes will not benefit our country after this recession. Because of the tax cuts congress placed, our country is losing over $1 trillion that could be used to help our economy.
The five most popular tax breaks are also the breaks that are losing our government the most money. These include mortgage interest reduction, tax-free income workers get from employers to pay for health insurance, deduction for state and local taxes, deduction for charitable donations, and tax breaks for retirement savings.
One idea to help the government receive more money, while also helping out the lower-income class, is to change the mortgage interest deduction so that people who pay over $500,000 for a home pay more taxes.

-Elizabeth Woollen

http://money.cnn.com/2010/10/26/news/economy/curbing_tax_breaks/index.htm

G.O.P. to Fight Health Law with Purse Strings

House Republicans intend to use their new muscle to cut off money for President Obama’s health care law. They plan to use the power of the purse to challenge the main component s of the law to force Democrats into a series of votes to defend it (Pear, pg. 1). Republican lawmakers plan to cut funds available to Internal Revenue Service, use spending bills to block federal insurance regulations, limit access to government-subsidized private health plans, eventually shut off funds for the new law. They also plan to propose strict budget caps to minimize spending for domestic programs. A few of Republican Representatives have plans to “repealing Obamacare piece by piece and blocking funds for implementation” says Eric Cantor. Now democrats must stick together and fight to preserved fundamental elements of the law. Both parties are determined to avoid government shut down. “House Republicans cannot enact legislation the president won’t sign,” said R. Scott Lilly, a former Democratic staff director of the House Appropriations Committee. “But the president cannot force them to appropriate money they don’t want to appropriate.” (Pear, pg. 1).

Sequoia Lee

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/07/health/policy/07health.html?ref=health

Sept. 11 workers face health settlement deadline

The effects of September 11th 2001 are still being felt to this day over nine years later. Over 10,000 people have filed lawsuits against the city of New York, stating that they have gotten sick from their negligence to provide them with proper breathing devices to protect against the dust from the twin towers. A deadline for Monday was put in place to get ninety-five percent of these lawsuits to join together for one large legal settlement. Under the settlement, the people would get paid about 815 million dollars. New York officials say the money will not cover everything but it could be the best the clients can get with very little proof that the debris is the leading cause of these illnesses.
-Will Kalish
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40055177/ns/us_news-life/

Latinos Prove their Political Might

This past week’s elections brought to light the power of the United States’ largest minority group, Latinos. Although they suffered a few loses, they won many house seats for the Republican Party which is unprecedented for a group that normally votes pro democratic. The article brings about the ideas that Latinos are not voting just based on party lines, or the surname of the candidate. They are now voting based on harden political issues, showing a move towards assimilation into the American political system which many anti-immigration believers based their views upon. Latinos having a larger say in American government will become a huge point of contentions for years to come, with the debate on immigration and U.S. policy towards it continuing to very relevant.


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/06/us/politics/06latino.html?_r=1&ref=politics

Ben Rains

Program puts you in a driver's seat for elders

In many places around the country, there is growing concern about elderly drivers' ability to safely operate a car. The ailments that come with growing older can hamper ones ability to drive more than most could imagine. Liberty Mutual was presenting its "National Conservation Drive" in an effort to get adult children to talk to their elderly parents about whether it is time for them to give up driving. Liberty Mutual ran the program with ITNAmerica, a nonprofit organization that provides rides to the elderly any time of day or night. Several programs exist that help adults have the conversation with their parents and give tips on altering cars in ways to make them safer for the elderly.

-Matt Osborne

http://www.lohud.com/article/20101107/NEWS01/11070367/Program-puts-you-in-a-driver-s-seat-for-elders

For all who've dreamed of education reform, the time has come

The quality of education in America remains a popular topic. Mitch Daniels plans to take action immediately. He has an outlined plan set out that only needs to be implemented by society. For example, Daniels plans to contribute more of the state's money towards teachers who are doing their job correctly. If their is social regulation present then society as a whole can implement his outlined plans which will lead to the system operating more efficiently.
http://www.indystar.com/article/20101107/NEWS08/11070358/1008/NEWS05/Tully-For-education-reformers-the-time-is-now?odyssey=mod_sectionstories

Pentagon openings give Obama new options

Over the next year and before the end of Obama's first term as president, he must appoint new officials in key positions within the military aspect of the government. The current defense secretary along with numerous top generals is among those whose terms are up or are retiring and must be replaced. All of these opening will be key moving forward not only in the Obama administration but for the current war and years to come. No matter who the appointees are, Obama will certainly face scrutiny from the Senate who has made it their mission to defeat him. However, he could do another political first and move Hillary Clinton to Defense Secretary, who would be the first woman appointed, only time will tell.
-Will Kalish
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_16551300?source=rss&nclick_check=1

Taking on a Second Mortgage to Pay the Foreclosure Lawyer

Many Florida residents are having to take out a second mortgage that is paid towards their lawyers. Since banks have been bad with foreclosures many look to their lawyers. People will like this because it saves money and will allow them to avoid foreclosure. Some will take clients who can pay as they go. This policy will help citizens keep their homes.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/07/business/07lawyers.html?pagewanted=2&ref=us

-Matthew Abelman

The Midterm Elections and Obama's Foreign Policy's

The midterm elections resulted in a diminished democratic presence within the house and senate. This is unfortunate for President Obama with regards to passing specific bills that will now be challenged by the republican party. The article references the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty with Russia as an issue that could be second guessed by "hard-line" republicans such as Rand Paul. Obama claims he intends to try to get the treaty approved during the lame duck session of Congress that begin Nov. 15. Obama believes that, "This is not a traditionally Democratic or Republican issue, but rather an issue of American national security".  This is a prime example of the house of representatives and congress, using their overriding privileges to challenge the legitimacy of Obama's agenda.  Although having a stronger republican presence within the government may slow down specific processes that Obama is trying to carry out, I believe that the legitimacy of his policies will be evaluated more closely, which is beneficial for America.

Robbie Nichols

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/05/world/americas/05prexy.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=policy&st=cse

Regulators, Banks Grapple With Volcker Rule's Reach

New financial reform has ushered in an age of dissent. The cornerstone of the Economic Recovery Advisory Board, the Volcker Rule prevents banks from making speculative investments if they are not on behalf of their customers. Upset with certain provisions of the plans, Wall Street and D.C. are up in arms. Banks are fighting tooth and nail with regulators to ensure more lenient restrictions on their investment policies. As issues are captured by regulated interests, the fatal flaw of the iron triangle construct (interest, agency, congressional sway) becomes apparent: corruption within regulatory forces. Charged with the recent majority in the House, Republicans have begun pressing a personally beneficial interpretation of the new legislation, causing a breakdown in ability to implement precise fiscal regulation.

27.5 Million for 9/11 Workers

Workers who helped move debree from the 9/11 site say to have received health problems as a result. Released on Friday, they will receive 27.5 million dollars in settlement. There are over ten thousand workers asking for the money, and they will decide weather to accept it or ask for more. Their have been multiple other cases where settlements have been in the millions. Judges have said the results have been fair and reasonable.


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/07/nyregion/07suit.html?ref=us

- Matthew Abelman

Jesus in Polish Town

In Swiebodzin, Poland the alleged "largest statue of Jesus" recieved its list pieces to complete the 108+ feet tall statue. A local preist was the master mind behind this beautiful statue that sits in the center of the city. Even though many of the 22,000 residents love the idea of this statue, there are a significant amount of unsatisfied citizens. The 78 year old preist said he felt as if his life duty was fulfilled when the project was complete. The preist told reports that he purposely made the statue itsself 33 meters tall which represents the 33 years that Jesus lived. However, including the Gold Crown and mount that it stands on, it stands over 167 tall. The government of Poland seemed to be happy with the placement of this statue because they feel like it will bring more tourism to the small town.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101106/ap_on_re_eu/eu_poland_giant_jesus

In Efforts to End Bullying, Some See Agenda

In the past three weeks there have been several GLBT teen suicides, due to harassment during public school, have been brought to the public attention. This has caused much debate among the school board and the public about what anti-harassment policies should be taught during school and what the public school system can do to prevent such tragedies. The federal Department of Education is responsible for preventing harassment of any student and are currently trying to come up with a new policy to help GLBT students. This is an example of how bureaucrats are used by the federal government to regulate policies such as public school anti-harassment policies. The Department of Education is able to do what the federal government can't, it can specialize and work with the street level bureaucrats to create a policy.\



Hannah Shearer

www.nytimes.com/2010/11/07/us/07bully.html?pagewanted=1&ref=us&src=me

U.S. Vote Could Derail Russia Ties

President Obama has begun to strengthen ties with Russia since his presidency, but since the recent election leading to the Republican party taking majority in the house of representatives continuing these ties seems even more challenging. "Obama needs Congress to sign off on three major policy changes: an arms control treaty to reduce nuclear arsenals and resume inspections; a civilian nuclear agreement to permit greater cooperation; and a repeal of cold war-era trade restrictions so Russia can join the World Trade Organization." It appears that an already challenging task before the Republicans had majority in the House will not be accomplished, leaving all of the progress President Obama made irrelevant.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/07/world/europe/07policy.html?ref=world

Posted by: Sam Livingston