Republicans in charge take aim at health overhaul

As the Republican party continues to gain control over the House, there is a growing opposition to the Obama White House and federal spending. Republicans have begun utilizing the Direct Government tool by laying the groundwork for their 2012 goal: a new president, a "better Senate" and ridding the country of that “demonized” health care law, which is an example of social and economic regulation. Republicans have said they are willing to work with President Barack Obama but it would be only on their terms. Democrats who controlled the House, Senate and White House for two years must now work with Republicans, who have not shied from pushing their own agenda. The results from this recent election only supports the rejection of American liberalism and the Obama and Pelosi agenda.


-Rebecca Jania

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_republicans_in_charge

Republicans oppose compromise with President Obama on tax cuts

Republicans gained control of the house in the last election and democrats fear that the transition of power will jeopardize their policies on the expiring Bush tax cuts. Democrats want tax cuts extended for all Americans except the wealthiest portion. Republicans on the other hand feel that it is important to extend tax cuts for every American during an economic downturn. This issue has further separated Republicans and Democrats. Congress will meet and debate these tax cuts as well as spending bills. The policy tool that is decided upon will undoubtedly have a great effect of the U.S. economy in the coming years.

Kate White

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-republicans-tax-cuts-20101108,0,1298102.story

Mapping Ecosystems, the Better to Conserve Them

The State Department of Fish and Game has just revealed its latest version of its online BioMap in order to ensure that largely private efforts to set aside land do the most public good. The map is providing a framework for protection and stewardship of those lands and waters that are most important for conserving biological diversity with the climate change and suburbanization that are built into the state’s biological future. Those who do the land conservation are those who are part of a town or a regional or state-level agency. The BioMap will suggest what lands you should acquire. This is an example of direct government because it is a direct provision of services by a government agency. Government has a direct relationship with consumers of its goods and services.

http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/05/mapping-ecosystems-the-better-to-conserve-them/?ref=science

Kilee Imlay

Direct Government in Airports

Recently new body imaging scanners have been added to many airports. These are used to completely scan travelers prior to flights. Even with this new technology, three national Sikh advocacy and civil rights organizations have said that turbans will still be searched and consider this "racial profiling." According to the T.S.A. (Transportation Security Administration) and the Department of Homeland Security, the scanners cannot see through the multiple layers of fabric in the turban. Thus, these organizations are using direct government to allow security officials the jurisdiction to conduct extra searches. While some may cry "racial profiling", I feel that a turban is the same as a small, unchecked bag. This is necessary and fair for everyone to be safe.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/07/us/07turban.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper

Tuition Rise, But So Does Financial Aid

This article discusses that while tuition has increased for both public and private universities, the amount of financial aid students are receiving is compensating for the increased cost. In 2009 students received $28 billion in Pell Grants, and that is $10 billion more than the year before. This tool of government would be considered legitimate as long as the increased investment in need-based aid does not come at the expense of students' loans or millions of college students who rely on this and other need-based aid programs will experience higher costs and fewer options. However, by increasing these grants, the government is on the right track to alleviating the problem of cost with respect to higher education.

http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/28/college-pricing/?scp=3&sq=higher%20education%20cost&st=cse

-Kelly Neary

Are New Nuclear Sites Stuck Under Red Tape?

Nuclear energy emits zero carbon dioxide, and helps end dependence on foreign oil. Yet, nuclear energy still seems not to be the choice policy by congress. The reason for not using a greener energy source is somewhat unclear. Most believe that it involves the great amount of time (almost 10 years to be approved and built) and expensive price tag which makes investors unlikely to support such projects. Although President Obama promised to look into nuclear energy as the next step to energy independence, only two new nuclear sites have been approved by regulatory boards. Nuclear energy while a viable option seems to just be stuck under red tape.

Michael Rocus

http://www.economist.com/node/17254442?story_id=17254442

Indy airport is lauded in FAA safety check

The Federal Aviation Administration is in charge of the regulations in airports. For 11 years in a row, Indianapolis Airport has received a perfect score on aviation safety. For smaller airports, this is common, but for such a large airport, this is a grand success. The FAA imposes rules and safety nets to protect the safety of flying citizens. They are a good example of the enforcement agents because they monitor the standards and can, if need be, apply sanctions to those who do not amount to a safe-enough airport. However, the Indy Airport also monitors themselves as they have self-report operators check for discrepancies every day, and correct them right away.

http://www.indystar.com/article/20101104/BUSINESS/11040461/Indy-airport-is-lauded-in-FAA-safety-check?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|IndyStar.com

Elise Leppert