Senate Health Care Bill

What's in the Senate Health Bill for You?

Overall Summary:

According to this article, the Senate's version of the Health Care Bill may have many benefits for certain incomes. The bill extends Medicaid to a larger range of incomes including families with an income under 29,000 dollars yearly. Also, families making up to 88,000 a year, will receive tax credits to make private insurance more affordable. However, those who don't purchase insurance may be fined. Also, introduced by senator Harry Reid, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act within the bill will make health coverage more affordable. Thankfully, though while spending $848 billion on the change taking place over a span of ten years , the bill will reduce the national deficit by $130 billion.

My Opinion:

I think that this article only shows the positives of the Senate's Health Care Bill. Though the positives do seem helpful to society, making healthcare and insurance more affordable, expenses don't just decrease. I'm sure that though these expenses will become easier for lower income families to pay, the cost will come out of the pockets of higher income families. This Bill is the kind of legislation that has a catch and I think that middle and upper class is going to end up with either worse coverage or higher taxes to help cover lower incomes.

Two-Party System

Two Party System

by XCDC

Christian License Plates

Federal Judge Nixes Christian License Plates

Overall Summary:

District Judge Cameron Currie ruled that because of seperation of church and state, Florida could not make license plates that had a cross along with the phrase "I believe". Both Americans United for Separation of Church and State and American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee opposed the plates whereas private Christian groups within the state favored and stated that this ruling did not exclude the plates all together. Private groups are still able to design their own plates for sale.

My Opinion:

I think that the seperation of church and state was put forth for a reason. This country is made up of many different religions and beliefs and sticking an obviously Christian license plate on cars of diverse citizens is not the most politically correct thing to do. This Christian plate may obviously offend others and I think it selfish to put Christianity before others, regardless of the law. In my opinion, the judge was right to declare the action pretty much unconstitutional.

Abortion Insurance Change

Abortion Rights Activists Say Stupak-Pitts Amendment Would Hurt Women's Rights

Overall Summary:

A recent law passed saying that insurance for abortion was to be limited. The Stupak-Pitts amendment is part of the upcoming Health Care Bill that puts restrictions on funding for abortion. According to the Bill, funding is not to go to abortion with the exception of rape, incest or for the well-being and safety of the mother. Households making more than $88,000 a year will be prevented from buying abortion insurance in their coverage.

My Opinion:

Regardless of my opinion on abortion, I think that this addition to the Health Care Bill is unneccessary. There are more problems to worry about within health care without worrying about moral obligations. Abortion is mostly a moral matter and should not be decided on by the government for each individual case. I respect that certain cases reserve the right for insurance because certain people physically and emotionally need the option of abortion, whereas others may take advantage of having the option of abortion and its insurance.

Soldier Income Raise

"What Congress Has in Store for You in 2010"

Overall Summary:

According to the article, Congress must pass two pieces of legislation to fund the military for the following year. Two bills were passed, one that allocates money going to the Defense Department and the other telling government how to use military money. In 2008 Congressed passed legislation saying that soldiers who spent a significant time mobilized receive money set aside for retirement before they turned sixty.

My Opinion:

I think that our military is made up of hardworking, selfless soldiers and we should do all we can to repay their service to our country. If this means raising their pay and giving them early retirement money, so be it. Without our soldiers, we would be a weak nation and our military is the best defense in the world. I think that U.S. soldiers are not appreciated enough for their time served these days because society does not accept reason for war or reasons for us being overseas, but we should not take that confusion and anger out on our soldiers, who dutifully protect us.

Fox Hunting

http://cts.hss.uts.edu.au/students08/Final_Website/images/foxnews.jpg

"Fox Hunting"

Overall Summary:

The Obama Administration has, for the second time, been caught dismissing Fox News. On several occasions people of Obama's Administration have insisted that Fox is "not really a news station" and that it does not supply viewers with facts so much as opinions. Instead, those who bashed Fox, would rather viewers tune in to CNN or more "reliable" resources.

My Opinion:

I think that President Obama has no business criticizing new stations. He obviously thinks that Fox is a conservative based news station but he shouldn't take viewers and therefore work from them, he should stick to his job. Also, this is showing Obama's tendency to dominate public opinion. He wants the public to think as he does and see his good side and is therefore directing them towards more liberal news resources, such as CNN, even though many of these stations, including Fox, are more moderate.

Obama Blames Slow Afghanistan Progress on Bush

"When Should President Obama Stop Blaming the Bush Administration?"

Overall Summary:

Even though the U.S. has been at war with Afghanistan for nine years, according to this article, President Obama makes the issue sound as if it began yesterday because the Bush Administration did no good towards the cause. The president's latest excuse to delay sending troops overseas is the Afghani election. CNN has taken a poll that shows majority of Americans, at fifty nine percent, oppose sending more troops overseas at all. Afghanistan is being said to be another Vietnam War in that the people of the nation favor one way and the president acts performs the other way.

My Opinion:

I think that Obama should stop blaming The Bush Administration on current situations. Obama should focus on his own job and if he thinks Bush ran the country poorly than he can make up for poor decisions and do things the way he wants them done. Also, I don't think sending more troops would help the cause overseas. The country is in a recession and the United States overall has a low morale and does not need to be worrying about family and friends overseas fighting a losing battle for an unknown cause.

Gay Marriage Rights In California

"Will Gay Marriage Harm Your Baby? How? Judge Asks"

Overall Summary:

The state of California is still confused over the matter of same-sex marriage. After legalizing gay marriage voters claimed that they did not approve of the recent change in legislation. Lawyer Charles Cooper implied in his debate that gay-marriage legalization was a threat to traditional families. However, when confronted by Judge Vaughn Walker, Cooper had no support for his argument.

My Opinion:

First of all, as said in the article, I believe that the demeaning of gay-marriage rights is "unconstitutionally discriminatory". The article also states that part of Lawyer Cooper's argument is that gay marriage would rip apart healthy families. I agree with the judge in that gay-marriage poses no threat to families. People for gay rights aren't aiming to destroy families they are looking to better their condition and take advantage of their full constitutional rights.

Don't Ask Don't Tell

"More Women Than Men Dismissed From Military For Being Gay"

Overall Summary:

More women were dismissed from the military this year than men under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. In 2008 the Air Force dismissed 56 women and 43 men. The army dismissed women at a quicker rate than men considering the ratio of women to men in the army. Out of everyone discharged 36 percent were women which is staggering considering women only make up 14 percent of the military.

My Opinion:

I think the current policy of "don't ask, don't tell" is pointless. Just as many women and men can hook up overseas as a gay or lesbian couples. Plus, I don't think sexual orientation should matter in service for our country, the government should be thankful to have people joining military to begin with. There is deffinately no reason to be kicking people out of the service when we need soldiers overseas.

Nobel Peace Prize to Obama

"Nobel Peace Prize is 'Call to Action'"

Overall Summary:

The Norwegian Nobel Committee surprised president Obama by awarding him the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. The president is humble in that he does not see the accomplishment as recognition of his own doing but as a 'call to action' for world-wide peace and as an award for American leadership. President Obama was not mentioned as a primary candidate for the prize so the announcement shocked reporters and viewers. It is said that the vote came easy to the committee and the choice was unanimous.

My Opinion:

I honestly don't think President Obama should have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. It is part of his duty to our country to sustain peace and justice. I'm sure others have worked very hard towards the goal of this prize and I don't think it should be awarded to a world leader whose duty is part of the prize's goals. Also, I don't think Obama has accomplished peace within the Mid-East, let alone world peace. I do believe he has plans for peace among conflicting countries but I believe that many leaders should aim towards peace, however few attain these goals within their presidency.

Pro-Choice/Life?

"Abortion Support Falls Shortly, New Research Finds"

Overall Summary:

Pro-choice citizens have declined by seven percent this year and it is giving hope to pro-life voters. Studies have shown that the diminishing pro-choice voters are of every ethnicity, religion, and background with the exception of African-Americans who remain mostly against abortion. Anti-abortion activists are rallying even stronger after hearing the decline in pro-choice opinions. Some say that the change in opinion is subject to marginal voting error while others say the recently elected pro-choice president may be responsible.

My Opinion:

I believe that every woman should have the option of abortion when necessary. Cathy Ruse, from Family Research Council in Washington, states that "all women deserve better than abortion" whereas I believe that all women deserve to make the choice themselves. I understand that anti-abortion has many religious ties and therefore has many supporters, for other reasons as well, but I also think that pro-life opinions should not be pushed onto others. I think that those who are pro-life should support each other and their views but regard state abortion laws as a legal matter not a moral one. I think that taking away a woman's right to abortion is a violation of personal rights to do what one pleases with their own body and medical matters. This topic in particular could go further into safety of a human being. Approximately two percent of woman in the country have an abortion each year. Two percent of woman, within a certain age range none the less, is not a dramatically large number of people. I think that the idea is really what bothers people with strict beliefs moreso as the practical reality. The opportunity for abortion should be legal for the few who need it. If abortion is deemed illegal nationwide I fear that we would be taking one step back from bettered and more open-minded laws.

Gun Laws

"Justices Take On Potentially Landmark Gun Rights Cases"

Overall Summary:

The Supreme Court is recently challenging the strict enforcement of gun laws in many states. The Supreme Court is determining whether or not the Second Amendment refers to local areas having the right to bear arms or their specific state government. Many appeals for the right to have a weapon have come to the Supreme Court as of late. In the most anticipated case, a Chicago citizen requested the right to carry a weapon for protection against local gangs. The Supreme Court has issued a right for an individual to bear arms but it is now up to local and state governments to approve, support, and enforce these upcoming rights.

My Opinion:

I think the right to bear arms is one of the most controversial topics possible. I believe it really depends on the individual case. I think that the Constitution implies that each state militia has the right to bear arms against the federal government but does not specify whether or not it is the states job or the people of the state to protect themselves. However, I think that state rules often are too strict on the gun laws. These laws are hard on average people such as hunters or regular citizens. In larger cities I can see where one would need a weapon of some sort to defend themself however I dontthink that weapon has to be a huge assault rifle, which would be disproportionate tothe issue at hand. Therefore, I think gun laws as they are by state are a bit too strict and demanding however the right to bear arms should be limited based on the circumstances.

Racist Email

"Racist Email Aimed at Obama Raises Hackles in Tennessee"

Overall Summary:

The assistant of Tennessee senator Diane Black sent an email around the office in which President Obama was depicted as cartoon eyes on a black background. When Sherry Goforth sent out the email it was set with the 43 past presidential portraits. Senator Black assures the press that the email does not display "the beliefs or opinions of her office". Mrs. Goforth was strongly reprimanded yet got away with her keeping her job as senator's assistant. However, the Senators assurances against the email did not persuade state democrats to wonder whether or not this email showed what republicans thought of our president. The chairman of Tennessee's Democratic Party insists both the assistant and the senator apologize to President Obama.

My Opinion:

I think that this email is just one persons opinion, a joke even, and should not be taken so seriously. Bad publicity or not, everyone has the right to the own opinion, whether it be supportive or unsupportive of the president. I defiantly think that the Democratic chairman is taking this situation too far by insisting a personal apology to the president. This case is displaying a mere democratic against republican publicity brawl, I say they forgive and forget.

Missile Protection

"Obama Scraps Bush-era Missile Defense For New Plan"

Overall Summary:

The United States has decided to downsize the missile defense systems in Europe. Intelligence believes that Iran's missiles are for short and middle range distances and therefore missile defense for long-range missiles are not needed. Unfortunately, President Obama is faced with Pole and Czech beliefs that lessened American defenses leaves Europe vulnerable. Some say that Obama's change in defense is an attempt to renew relations with Russia. The new missile system has hundreds of shorter range missile interceptors as opposed to Bush's ten centralized long-range interceptors.

My Opinion:

I think that Obama's change in security is rushed and unsafe. Poland and The Czech Republic are right to be concerned because they are less sheltered by the U.S.'s defenses. Iran intelligence is not necessarily trustworthy and Obama has spent only a short time in office and has quickly concluded that Iran does not pose as big a threat as Bush assumed. I think Obama is not necessarily wrong in deciding Iran does not have long-range missiles but I think it is better safe than sorry and just because Iran will not use force against our allies does not mean Russia or other Middle-Eastern nations will not either.

Mandatory Flu Vaccine

"Where Will Mandates End?"

Overall Summary:

The New York Health Department, according the the Times Union, has taken the "individual rights of health care workers" by mandating all health care employees receive this year's flu vaccination. This official requirement made by the State may or may not extend to the upcoming H1N1 vaccine. Making employees in hospitals and medical buildings receive the vaccination will insure a safer flu season for the residents and patients in these facilities.

My Opinion:

I believe that mandating vaccinations, whether it be in health care employees or others, is a violation of citizens' rights. My mother, who runs the kitchen of a hospital, is also required to get this year's flu vaccination. I think that someone who is not even dealing with patients or medical procedures should definitely not have to receive the flu shot because they pose no threat to the patients and residents. The majority of employees have not bothered to get the vaccination in past years for a multitude of reasons. First of all, the flu vaccine, from personal experience, is a potential threat to health. Many people have witnessed first hand that the flu vaccination leads to the illness and is therefore dangerous to certain immune systems and age groups. Lastly, I think that the H1N1 vaccination, if the state makes it mandatory to certain people, could pose just as big a threat as the virus itself. The vaccination is still being tested and is being pushed onto the public out of fear of the disease.

Bailout

Above President Obama speaks at a GM plant.
"Obama defends auto bailouts, touts new fuel rules"

Overall Summary:

Following controversy dealing with the governments bailout of the auto industry President Obama pays a visit to a General Motors plant. President Obama also announced a necessity in developing more fuel efficient automobiles in order to be a more self-sufficient nation. Obama insists that the intervention into the industry was completely necessary to the country's economy seeing as the automotive industry supports a major amount of important finances. The bail out was supported by funds from the Troubled Asset Relief Program. The White House reports that the cost of automobiles will reasonably increase to reach the fuel-efficient standards of the 21st century.

My Opinion:

I think that the automotive bailout was a waste of the country's money yet an appropriate way to secure jobs for millions of Americans. On one side, it saved a large amount of jobs from being lost by keeping the factories and dealerships going. Yet, on the other side, after more than 20 billion dollars was already spent trying to assist the dying industry, GM and Chrysler both went bankrupt. I think it was a waste to keep handing the businesses money after they had already proved they couldn't continue further in the industry. My thought is that if they already went bankrupt it is a waste to continue spending money on them when other companies, who manage by lesser means, could also use help.