A commemoration for innocents who died on 911 or a place where Islamic terrorists triumphed?

Should America let a mosque be built so close to Ground Zero? On one hand, America is a place of freedom, and as the First Ammendment states, freedom of religion. If we do not let a mosque be built it is taking away people's freedoms. However, there are many questions being brought up such as what if it secretly becomes a recruitment station for terrorists? In Great Britain and Germany mosques have been used for recruitment for suicide bombers.
President Obama believes that for "emotional reasons" a mosque should not be built so close to Ground Zero. Many believe the wounds from 911 are still two raw for such a thing right now. But can we take away people's rights to freedom? People need to see this as not Islamic terrorists triumphing, but proving the freedom and peace in America, which is what this country stands for.

Elizabeth Woollen

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2010/08/17/kt-mcfarland-ground-zero-mosque-god-september-obama-imam-feisal/

Raising Taxes of Rich will not Solve Deficit Problem

In a recent article in the Economist, a new opinion is brought to the table concerning the debate on taxes between the Democrats and Republicans. As Republicans fight to stop a tax increase of 2 % of the wealthiest Americans, the Democrats insist it is necessary to solve the growing national deficit. However, the Economist suggest that even if this tax is passed it would only bring in revenue of about 34 Billion dollars, a miniscule amount compared to the national GDP. The fact remains that if the Republicans and Democrats do not agree on a tax agenda everyone’s taxes will be going up January 1^st. Can Americans really afford a setback in setting an agenda in these hard economic times?

http://www.economist.com/node/17043472

Democrats Use Power of Majority to Pursue Agenda

Democrats recently have been pushing for a Pentagon Policy Bill to be added to the public agenda that touches on issues of immigration, don't ask don't tell, and tax breaks, all of which we decided were among the top public policy issues during the Icebreaker exercise. The bill looked at providing citizenship to illegal immigrants who were here before the age of 16 and have been in school. This is one problem that has a widespread scope, but differing opinions on intensity. A lot of Americans are worried that it will only increase our unemployment. This represents a pluralistic agenda process whereby the Democrats are working to make their case for control in the House and Senate.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/17/us/17cong.html?ref=us

-Kelly Neary

China Unicom takes orders for Apple's iPhone 4

BEIJING - China's major telecommunication operator China Unicom on Friday began taking pre-orders for Apple's iPhone 4 in China.

Users have to pay 5,880 yuan ($875) for the 16GB version of the iPhone 4 and 6,999 yuan ($1,042) for the 32GB version to get the iPhone 4 and two-year service package services with China Unicom, according to a statement posted on China Unicom's website.

The statement did not give any details about how long customers will have to wait to get their pre-ordered iPhone 4.Huang Wenge, a telecommunication industry analyst at Essence Securities, said iPhone 4 sales will markedly increase the number of China's Unicom's 3G service users.

"China Unicom is expected to have 1.5 million new 3G service users in October, boosted by the iPhone 4 sales," Huang said, as compared with the current average monthly growth of 500,000.

Other analysts, however, remained doubtful whether the iPhone 4 would greatly increase demand for China Unicom's 3G services.

"Most iPhone 4 users are expected to be previous iPhone series users, not new customers," said Wang Liusheng, an analyst at Analysys International.

"I don't think the iPhone 4 products can contribute a lot to the average revenue per user for China Unicom in the second half," he said.

The share price of China Unicom rose 1.87 percent to HK$12 on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange but fell 0.6 percent to 4.99 yuan on the Shanghai Stock Exchange during the morning session Friday.

GOP still "saying no" on tax cut deal

"Once again, the leaders across the aisle are saying no," Obama said in brief remarks after a Cabinet meeting. "They want to hold these middle-class tax cuts hostage until they get an additional tax cut for the wealthiest 2 percent of Americans." What’s more, "We don't have time for any more games," Obama said. "I understand there's an election coming up, but the American people didn't send us here to just think about our jobs. They sent us here to think about theirs."

Middle-class earners are the most likely to spend money saved through tax cuts. The statement means that the American government is delaying an agreement to extend them for the middle class. Nevertheless, in my opinion, Republicans have steadily gained ground on economic issues and now have a slight advantage on handling the economy, the federal deficit and taxes.

Post by: Ziying Yuan

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2010/09/obama-on-gop-once-again-the-leaders-across-the-aisle-are-saying-no/1

Purdue marks small enrollment bump

My previous blog post had to do with the state's funding of financial aid to the students in Indiana. This article is the result of the increasing amount of financial aid that is now being provided to young people. Purdue University has enrolled more students this year than the last. Also, Indiana University set a record this week by containing well over 100,000 students within its eight campuses. This is a sign that more people are being provided with the opportunity to excel into their furture. Even though we are basically giving more of our money to the government, do you think its worth it? I think yes because if our money is going towards anything in this corrupted economy, it needs to go to the future of America. I like the idea of more young people getting a chance to succeed and possess the "American Dream". This article clearly proves that point.
-Mallory Lyon
http://www.indystar.com/article/20100915/NEWS04/9160343/-1/ARCHIVE/Purdue-marks-small-enrollment-bump

U.S. Meat Farmers Brace for Limits on Antibiotics

This article discusses upcoming FDA restrictions on the quantity and types of antibiotics that farmers can use in the animals they farm.

An overhaul and close examination of our food industry has been in order for some time. The amount of chemicals, pesticides, antibiotics, and other toxins that Americans unknowingly consume in their food is alarming and can have disastrous consequences, such as increases in certain types of cancers, allergies, and infections.

Hopefully this will draw more attention to the dangers of mass-produced food and encourage Americans to eat in a more sustainable, responsible, and organically-based way, along with setting precedents for an FDA that is not corrupted by corporate greed.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/15/us/15farm.html?_r=1&ref=us

Japan Acts to Weaken Yen

Japan's economy is still in a bad situation since their recession last year. The Government is now attempting to weaken the Yen buy purchasing other currency, including the dollar, to protect their export-led economy. Buy purchasing other currency and selling their own the price of Yen will drop significantly. These type of situations occur from time to time, Japan did something similar in 2004. The only obstacle for Japan is the fact they need cooperation from other countries and because the recession has affected the world it may be hard to accomplish. I personally never this type of thing worked and was even possible, why doesn't our country do something similar to make the dollar bill worth something once again?

- Brad Beckwith

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/16/business/global/16yen.html?_r=1&ref=business

Problems of Metric Proportion

In his article “Metric Interstate Divides Arizonans”, Marc Lacey brings to national attention a unique problem that is plaguing the residents of Southern Arizona—Interstate 19 is measured using the metric system. Signs declaring distances in meters and kilometers were installed decades ago when there was a surge in the popularity of the metric system, but recently has done nothing but foster controversy. The state is determined to have it changed, while many businesses and communities are opposed to the planned overhaul of the system, citing expenses related to changing directions on flyers and signs, and lost tourism revenue. This opposition has delayed the Arizona Department of Transportation, and forced them to miss the deadline to claim funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. My question is why must we be so stubborn? The metric system is widely considered to be infinitely easier than the Imperial system, and many younger Americans could rattle off how many millimeters are in a kilometer with minimal thought, but would draw a blank when trying to figure out how many ounces are in a gallon. If the vast majority of Arizonans who drive this stretch every day are fine with the idiosyncratic system, why change it just to conform to the American standard?

Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/15/us/15highway.html?ref=us
Photo: Joshua Lott for The New York Times

—Josh Browning

The Tea Party: Product of Neglect

In April 2010 the New York Times wrote an article on the Tea Party that surprisingly despite their normal bias didn't tear the movement to pieces. It described the movement as one stemming from dissatisfaction with the big government policies that have been passed recently. The Stimulus Bill, cash for clunkers, and most recently the Health Care reform have all dramatically increased government spending.
This is a clear example of American frustration with the current philosophies that are at the heart of current American politics. That there are many politicians in both parties that aren't honoring the constitution. Unfortunately (for a Libertarian like myself) the majority of this movement is not interested in a third party according to NY Times, however they are focused on getting rid of many members of the Republican party that aren't holding true to their platforms. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out in this years elections.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/15/us/politics/15poll.html

Is Obama deliberately destroying the economy?

Do you think Obama is deliberately destroying the economy? That has been a question raised recently, however we now believe that Obama and his administration are just naive. They have tried to create many new policies they believe will help the economy, however they are only hurting us more because they are created so quickly and with little thought behind the plan. We were not able to track the $787 billion stimulus cash, the Cash-for-Clunkers program entrapped more than it helped, and the employment rate more than doubled while Obama was in office. Not to say all of these were Obama's mistakes but he certainly hasn't shown any promises. He tried to put the government in charge of health care, auto loans, student loans, etc., and ends up asking for tax help to cover all of these expenses! This clearly shows his lack of experience in economics. Obama needs to do something quick in order to gain back some popularity before the mid term elections come around in the next couple of months!

http://www.intellectualconservative.com/2010/09/10/the-jury-is-in-obama-is-deliberately-destroying-the-economy/

Student Loan Default Rate Is Continuing to Increase

In this article, Education Secretary Arne Duncan explains the issue of students taking out loans and having to deal with the steady year to year increase of rates.
The biggest issue with the increasing rates is students unable to afford payments thus leading them further into debt. The obama administration has proposed regualtions that allow only eligible students and programs for aid. Many try to avoid debt which is ultimatly possible if they avoid to take out loans for school.

This issue connects with Birkland when he dicusses institutional agenda, becuase education and student loans are issues that are currently being considered by the government.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/14/education/14colleges.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper


-Elizabeth Sziler

Health Care Wastefulness Detailed in New Reports....uh oh.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/07/health/policy/07health.html?ref=health

Well this have political, economic and due to it's nature, societal implications. With roughly 50 million Americans uninsured, as well as underinsured, our government is looking for ways to cut the cost of medical examinations and other tools that have increased spending but insignificantly increased quality of life for patients. The issue here is that our current healthcare system doesn't know if it wants to be controlled by the market or government, giving paradoxical rhetoric to our citizens who desperately need it the most. Will this be an opening for Democrats to jpush for more reform such as universal healthcare? Maybe not, since the issue is still how we can lower costs and still deliver quality, accessible healthcare to the people that need it.

New Information Emerges On Hunt for Bin Laden

Do you believe that we should stop the hunt for Bin Laden, even though he deserves everything that would come to him if he was caught? Some seem to see that it is actually causing more short-term and long-term problems along with and extreme number of deaths of American solders. Western intelligence agencies were able to form a detailed grasp of Osama Bin Laden's movements in the years after 9/11; and have come closer to capturing him than anyone else has ever before. Even though this has been stated, U.S. intelligence agencies do not agree with the fact that Bin Laden might be captured soon, They stated that very little light on Bin Laden's movements in the recent years have been known of. On this past Friday, President Obama stated that even though we have not caught Bin LAden al Qaeda has been holed up in ways that it has made them very hard to operate. He also said that Bin Laden has gone deep underground and even lower people of Al Qaeda have been harder to find then ever before. Since the Allie forces seem to have a better grasp on his movements these past few years and seem to be more positive in the capture of Bin Laden, should American forces lay away and let the Allies capture him while we seek military missions what we have more of a chance in succeeding in and making change? What is more important? Is one more important over the other? Is all of this worth the possibility of even more terrorism or more disturbance of the Middle East?

http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/09/13/new-information-emerges-on-hunt-for-bin-laden/?hpt=T2

New Ads to Try to Build Public Support for Gay Marriage

“We all deserve the right to marry the person we love.” Although people are looking forward to the equal right to being love, we still have to say the path of passing the same-sex marriage bill is tough and need more people and the policies to support the growing.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/14/nyregion/14gayads.html?ref=nyregion
by yuxia zheng

Keep Bush-Era Tax Rates

the Senate leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky suggested a potential compromise to the White House that America should keep the "Bush Tax Cut" policy. He determined that " the more money leaves in private hands, the quicker economic recovery will be".


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/14/us/politics/14cong.html?_r=1&hp

Mitchell Kellman

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100913/ap_on_bi_ge/us_tax_cuts

How can the economy get better when the 2 political oppositions have very different plans of recovery?

Made in Italy, Made in China

"Selling quality, not quantity" is the current situation at Italy. Since 1980s, more and more Chinese immigrant began t settle in Prato while stated to make low-end clothes, shoes and accessories,which all those materials imported form China. The control of state tax and immigration authorities is one of the important reasons why Chinese can such easily copy the fashion label of Italy. as a matter of fact, it is a real risk for the Chinese industries since they don't know that they are already lost the creative thinking about the production and the future of China's industrial might be no longer created the fashion by themselves.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/13/world/europe/13prato.html?_r=1&hp
by yuxiazheng

G.O.P. Leader Boehner Is Tightly Bound to Lobbyists

John Boehner is the Republican Minority Leader in the U.S. House of Representatives.  If republicans win big as expected this November then he becomes the Speaker of the House as Nancy Polosi is for the democrats.  John Boehner is also the most heavily lobbied congressman in Washington.  With ties dating back to the early 90's to big banks with unlimited funds like Citi-Group or large Tobacco conglomerates, Rep. Boehner wields enormous influence over Republicans eager to have their campaigns funded by corporate money.

The recent controversial supreme court decision that granted corporations the same campaign funding rights as a person further perpetuates the fascism in American politics.  The article speaks of the some issues Rep. Boehner was recently lobbied at weekly meeting and they ranged from eliminating a debit card cap fee to preventing a cap on greenhouse gases.  I believe the convergence of business and politics is undemocratic.

Posted by:  Mark Brady

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/12/us/politics/12boehner.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&hp

Cigarette Taxes in a Big Brother State

In tough economic times the government often turn to taxing the nonessential goods, and this is certainly turn in our neighboring state Illinois. Recently an article appeared in the Chicago Tribune addressing one of the effects of this tax, people taking steps to avoid it. The current estimate states that the city of Chicago alone loses around 120 million dollars a year in untaxed cigarette money. The cause of this is people counterfeiting stamps, buying across state borders, or simply not buying stamps.

At root of this issue is a conflict between the market and the government sector on control. The tobacco industry is being limited by the massive tax imposed on its product. However this policy is allowed because of the idea of sin tax and government social intervention. The extremity of the nature of this tax can be seen in with comparison. The tax on cigarettes in Indiana adds about a dollar to the price of a pack, while in Illinois the tax adds on about 3.66$. A possible "solution" to this that is being tested involves an electronic id on the stamps, but the main problem so far has been the cost of the technology required for this to be effective. It will be intresting in the coming years to see whether or not the politcians realize that if they didn't place massive taxes on the cigarettes in the first place, they wouldn't have to spend so much money to make sure people pay.

NY mosque investor declines Trump's buyout offer

The issue of building an Islamic cultural center and mosque near World Trade Center has caught the attention of many individuals. In this case, that individual would have to be no other but the real estate giant, Donald Trump. Mr.Trump offered to buy the location 25 percent more then what the original investors had paid. Unfortunately, this offer was rejected instantly.

Mr.Trump said, "I am making this offer as a resident of New York and citizen of the United States, not because I think the location is a spectacular one (because it is not), but because it will end a very serious, inflammatory, and highly divisive situation that is destined, in my opinion, to only get worse,"

There are supporters from both sides of the issue. Some believes that the plan of building an Islamic center near the World Trade Center is insensitive to families of the victims of the 9/11 attack. However, proponents support the project because it is a reflection of religious freedom and diversity.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100909/ap_on_bi_ge/us_nyc_mosque_trump

Post by: Christina Cheng

The ninth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001

It is time to rift and mourn! Yesterday, Sept. 11 is a date when thousands of people was crying badly for their friends, all these innocent victim nice years ago. Let's see more about this rifting and mourning at this special day. Lets be quiet for a while ...

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/12/nyregion/12sept11.html?ref=us

yuxiazheng

Terrorists still focused on hurting US, Brown says

This article is about the freshman senator, Scott Brown, and how he has learned over the past seven months that the United States is still a serious threat for terrorism. In chapter five of Birkland, he shows that the media attention towards terrorism took a major jump after the attacks on September 11^th. Since then there have been no major successful attacks. However, based on what Senator Brown stated, there could have been plenty of attempts that were foiled. He points out that there have been recent attempts to hurt the United States, but none have worked. He also talks about how Iran is the biggest threat to harm the United States because their “tentacles are everywhere.” The Senator wants to warn the people that now nine years later, terrorist are still out to get the United States and all of his intelligence points towards Iran as the ones who are trying to build nuclear weapons which could lead to an almost Cold War type arms race.

-Will Kalish

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/09/12/terrorists_still_focused_on_hurting_us_brown_says/

UN: 24 dead, 70,000 homeless in Chad flooding

There was a major flood in Chad this week, causing many to leave their homes. Approximately 70,000, according to CNN, fled to find shelter elsewhere, 6,000 of which have been displaced. The flood led to sickness like cholera leaving an initial twenty-four dead, and a now updated seventy total. CNN distinctively notes that this area had a severe drought just last year as well, pointing out the unpredictability of the weather in that area. Another important point is that Chad's roads are flooded which will impede any progress for an extended period of time. One must wonder what Chad is able to do to prevent an incident like this from happening again.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/09/12/chad.flooding/index.html

Posted by: Sam Livingston

World Panel Backs Rules to Avert Banking Crises

The world panel recently met and ruled in favor of the new plan to escape the banking tragedy. The new plan has many people debating whether the economy was really in the panel's best interest. They are ensuring everyone that while their plan may not result in immediate economic growth, their plan will ensure the economy's stability in the long run. Numerous spectators are against the dramatic increase reserve that capital banks must maintain. The issue as a whole ties in with our new topic of agenda setting, (Birkland Ch. 5). It is obvious that the economy is the most prominent issue on the agenda and is definitely in the "decision making agenda." And from the looks of it, this issue is going to stay there for a while to come.

-Jordan Goodman

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/13/business/global/13bank.html?ref=business

Obama's plan to extend some tax cuts may be gaining traction

President Obama is attempting to extend Bush's old tax cuts, but not for the rich. I wasn't for these tax cuts originally and I'm against them again now. I believe in our current economic situation right now that these tax cuts would not improve our economy and I believe that is what Obama should be focusing on instead. Also I think its wrong to extend these tax cuts for some Americans and not every American. If somebody is earning more than $250,000 a year, then good for them, they deserve to be treated the same as every American. I believe these tax cuts will eventually get passed, but the timing and the new proposed tax cuts are not good enough for me.

- Brad Beckwith

http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/09/12/tax.cuts/index.html

House G.O.P. Leader Signals He’s Open to Obama Tax Cut

House minority leader John Boehner said he would reluctantly vote in favor of letting the Bush era tax cuts for those who make over $250,000 expire as long as tax cuts for the middle and lower classes stay in place. Though Boehner is willing to cast his vote in favor of Obama’s Tax cut he has vowed to fight to renew the Bush tax cuts for everyone. It seems that the Republicans are not the only ones Nancy Pelosi and President Obama must convince to vote in favor of raising taxes on the wealthy, many Democrats are siding with republicans in opposition to the new bill. Some Democrats, agree with Boehner, who thinks it’s a mistake to raise taxes on anyone considering the economic state of the nation.

Boehner’s view that it is better for the good of the economy to keep taxes low during an economic downturn ties in with the idea of classical liberalisms. According to Birklin classical liberalism emphasizes liberties and private property ownership “as a means by which to improve overall wealth and happiness” (Birklin 19). http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/13/us/politics/13cong.html?_r=1&hp

Kate White

As Time Passes, the Goals in Afghanistan Shrink

Recently there have been huge indicators that the goals and optimism related to the United States, Afghanistan conflict have begun to dwindle. As the cost and frustration adds up as well as the scheduled exit of troops next year, it shows more and more that over time the initial goals the government had and policy that was in place will not fully succeed.

The article states "at this point, what can the United States really hope to achieve in Afghanistan?"

I feel like this is the most important question we have to answer because we need to realize that time is running out and that we must change our agenda in the region. If this is done we can be somewhat successful in resolving this conflict.

posted by: Alec King

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/12/weekinreview/12mazzetti.html?hp

Federal Employees owe IRS a Billion in Back Taxes

Recently after an extended investigation The Washington Post found out that 41 White House aides owe the Internal Revenue Service $831,000 in back taxes. This however is not all that was found, in total across the United States federal employees owe a billion dollars in back taxes to the IRS. Federal employees neglecting their taxes gives rise to the simple fact that the economic state of the United States is at a low point. For the people that go to work everyday and struggle to pay their taxes when big time federal employees feel exempt from doing the same, is shameful. President Obama has even tried to appoint a man, Timothy Geithner, who had thousands of dollars in IRS back taxes to the position of the Secretary of the Treasury. With the US in such economic turmoil having government employees not paying their own taxes, the United States takes another blow on how they are perceived around the world and at home. And that hope that the American people felt for an economic turnaround took a huge blow as well, with the people running the show failing to carry out a fundamental practice of a US citizen.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2010/09/congress-taxes-irs.html

Ben Rains

CORO Southern California's Public Affairs Fellows Begin Anew

The 53rd class of Fellows in Public Affairs at Coro Southern California began this past week with twelve new future leaders.
	For over half a century, the Coro Southern California Center for Civic Leadership has been “Training Tomorrow’s Leaders” through its venerated Public Affairs Fellows program. A number of local leaders have gone through the rigorous nine month training—including U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein, U.S. Congressman Jerry Lewis, state Senator Alex Padilla, former City Councilman David Cunningham, publisher David Abel; public affairs expert Kerman Maddox, Governor Schwarzenegger aides Billie Greer and Lisa Kalustian, former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Chief of Staff Robin Kramer. Twelve more future leaders began their Coro leadership experience this week as the 53rd class of Fellows in Public Affairs at Coro Southern California. 1. Patrick Atwater – Claremont McKenna College, BA 2. Farid Enrique Ben Amor – Cornell University, BA 3. Andrew DeBlock – Occidental College, BA 4. Timothy Golden – Lingnan University, BS 5. Elana Goldstein – Brown University, BA 6. Jessica N. Gray – Pepperdine University, BS 7. Antoinette Grier – University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, BA 8. Thuy Huynh – University of California, Los Angeles, BA 9. Leticia Munoz – University of California, Santa Barbara, BA 10. Thalia Roussos – University of California, Los Angeles, BA 11. Corinne E. Tapia – Georgetown University, BA 12. Katy Young – University of California, Los Angeles, JD “As a graduate of the Coro Fellows program and Trainer all these years, I know what awaits these young leaders,” said Coro Southern California Chief Operating Officer, John Greenwood. “We have a long tradition of experiential leadership training and an alumni network that is second-to-none. It is going to be another Coro world-class experience for them.” For nine months, the Coro Fellows will examine the institutions of public affairs—government, business, labor, media, political campaigns and community organizations—to better understand the public sector and strengthen the relationship between citizens and their government. Stay tuned for future updates around placements, presentations and other Fellows activities. “To ‘Train Tomorrow’s Leaders,’ Coro engages the community as a class room,” said Greenwood. “Through projects, focus weeks, seminars and assignments, the Fellows learn about challenges facing the region and develop the necessary civic leadership problem-solving skills and networks to address them.

Health Plan Won’t Fuel Big Spending, Report Says

The cost of health care is one of the leading issues in the country today, accounting for roughly 17.3 percent of our total economy in 2009. Under Obama's new Health Care Law, health spending will grow faster as more and more people gain coverage. Controlling this growth has become a major priority, as the government, employers, and American consumers struggle to keep up with the rising health care costs. The biggest change is expected in 2014, when most Americans will be required to have insurance. Only time will tell if this new law will have the negligible effects that are expected.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/09/health/policy/09health.html?ref=health

-Kelly Neary