http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-27387370
A large debate in the United States is foreign policy. The country has gone through four phases of ideology towards foreign affairs. The first was Isolationism. After WWI, the United States believed that staying out of other countries' problems was the best option. However, Pearl Harbor and WWII changed the mindset of the American public. Citizens then believed in the Containment ideology. This meant controlling the other superpower 'bullies' such as the Soviet Union. Vietnam put the United States back into an isolationist ideology called Disengagement. The American people wanted to 'disengage' from problems that didn't involve the United States. The United States is now considered to have a Human Rights ideology. After the Serbians invaded and killed many Albanians, the American public started to believe that the United States should step in when the human rights of others are endangered.
The news story on the front cover of several news sites is the kidnapping of over 200 schoolgirls in Nigeria. Boko Haram, the terrorist organization that kidnapped the girls, have terrorized the Nigerian public for years in hopes of overthrowing the Nigerian Government and imposing an Islamic slate. When Americans heard about the tragedy of the Nigerian girls, the public was outraged. Social media sites of all types were trending the hash-tag '#BringOurGirlsBack" worldwide. Many Americans wondered when the United States was going to send troops in to aid the Nigerians in their search for the missing girls.
As of May 13, the United States, Great Britain, France, and China already have troops on the ground searching for any leads as to where the Nigerian girls are being held and an Israeli counter-terrorism team was currently on the way. The United States released a statement saying that they provided manned planes containing satellite surveillance. The goal is to locate and identify the location of where the more than 200 kidnapped girls are being held. An unnamed, senior administration official said, "We have shared commercial satellite imagery with the Nigerians and are flying manned ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) assets over Nigeria with the government's permission."
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Friday, May 2, 2014
Unit 5: House GOP reminded that health care policy is hard
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/house-gop-reminded-health-care
The government often uses public policies in order to address certain issues. These issues can range from popular subjects like gun control to less known issues like fisheries. Issues can be from any level of the government: local, state, or federal. Many of the issues that face public policy are brought about by individuals or interest groups. Government officials ultimately choose the issue or problem that the government is going to implement a public policy for.
A major public policy facing the United States today deals with the subject of health care. For many years, the United States government has been creating a new health care policy. The Affordable Care Act is arguably the most controversial public policy in the works right now. Republicans have been diligently working in order to create an alternative to 'Obamacare', but, thus far, they have been unable to do so. Representative Dennis Ross (Fla) stated, "“For the next six months, we’re going to go into an election knowing that we’re not going to do anything to address health care.”
Many of the Republican party are divided on the subject. Some House Republicans are convinced that creating a new conservative alternative, being called the 'Obamacare Accountability Project', for 'Obamacare' is the right thing to do. David Drucker, a senior congressional correspondent for the Washington Examiner, said, "[The] working group of about 35 GOP members, has written a “draft” proposal to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, according to one House Republican familiar with the effort. But the group has not shared the draft with their colleagues and is engaged in an internal debate over whether their goal should be to simply introduce legislation, or also hold floor votes.The distinction is important.Rank-and-file Republicans are more likely to haggle over policy and face pressure from conservative groups if they have to vote on the proposal. Achieving consensus likely would be easier if the legislation is treated as a broad agenda to be tackled after the midterm elections.
This probably wasn’t intended to be funny, but I found it amusing anyway."
Rumors are also flying that the Republican party may put together a separate alternative to 'Obamacare' that actually will have no intention to be signed. This alternative will be used to make 'intra-party negotiations easier'.
The government often uses public policies in order to address certain issues. These issues can range from popular subjects like gun control to less known issues like fisheries. Issues can be from any level of the government: local, state, or federal. Many of the issues that face public policy are brought about by individuals or interest groups. Government officials ultimately choose the issue or problem that the government is going to implement a public policy for.
A major public policy facing the United States today deals with the subject of health care. For many years, the United States government has been creating a new health care policy. The Affordable Care Act is arguably the most controversial public policy in the works right now. Republicans have been diligently working in order to create an alternative to 'Obamacare', but, thus far, they have been unable to do so. Representative Dennis Ross (Fla) stated, "“For the next six months, we’re going to go into an election knowing that we’re not going to do anything to address health care.”
Many of the Republican party are divided on the subject. Some House Republicans are convinced that creating a new conservative alternative, being called the 'Obamacare Accountability Project', for 'Obamacare' is the right thing to do. David Drucker, a senior congressional correspondent for the Washington Examiner, said, "[The] working group of about 35 GOP members, has written a “draft” proposal to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, according to one House Republican familiar with the effort. But the group has not shared the draft with their colleagues and is engaged in an internal debate over whether their goal should be to simply introduce legislation, or also hold floor votes.The distinction is important.Rank-and-file Republicans are more likely to haggle over policy and face pressure from conservative groups if they have to vote on the proposal. Achieving consensus likely would be easier if the legislation is treated as a broad agenda to be tackled after the midterm elections.
This probably wasn’t intended to be funny, but I found it amusing anyway."
Rumors are also flying that the Republican party may put together a separate alternative to 'Obamacare' that actually will have no intention to be signed. This alternative will be used to make 'intra-party negotiations easier'.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Unit 5: Gun policy: Old fight; new strategies
http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/24/politics/gun-control-status/index.html?c=politics
Government policies are becoming quite popular in the United States government. These policies are used to handle many different issues that the United States faces. They can be made as solutions to many problems such as taxes, environmental dilemmas, and health care issues.
Policies can be influenced by many different factors. Political parties, politicians, organizations, public opinion, and the media are all known to sway certain government policies in certain directions.
Gun control has been a topic of discussion since the beginning years of the United States. It began when the Bill of Rights finally became ratified in 1791. The second amendment stated, "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."
Earlier, Gun-control Democrats in Virginia overcame the rough criticism of the National Riffle Association. The govenor, lieutenant govenor, and attorney general's wins shocked the NRA who is known as politically powerful and headquartered in Washington. Terry , at the final governor campaign debate, said, "I don't care what grade I got from the NRA."
McAuliffe has been pushing for stronger gun-control since just after he took office. His efforts fell short not long after. McAuliffe concluded that the result of his efforts was due to the fact that the 'battles are being fought' more in Washington. There, over a year ago, the Senate failed to expand on the development of stronger gun-control laws following the Newtown, Connecticut school shooting.
Friday, April 18, 2014
Unit 4: Supreme Court could weigh in on NSA case, justice says
http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/18/justice/supreme-court-justice-nsa/index.html?iref=allsearch
The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) is the highest federal court in the United States. Created under Article III of the Constitution, the Supreme Court serves to handle a number of court cases ranging in severity each year. The Supreme Court is the final interpreter of federal constitutional law. SCOTUS, however, is only allowed to work inside their jurisdiction during federal and state courts.
There are 8 associate judges and 1 chief justice. All of these positions are nominated by the President and approved by the Senate. These positions are held for life unless they are impeached or decide to resign from office. The current members are Justice Clarence Thomas, Justice Antonin Scalia, Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Justice Stephen G. Breyer, Justice Samuel Anthony Alito, Jr., Justice Elena Kagan, and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. John G. Roberts is the current Chief Justice.
Earlier this week, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Justice Antonin Scalia spoke before the National Press Club. Ginsburg was asked about her opinion on if Snowden, who leaked data from the National Security Agency, was a whistleblower or a traitor. She replied by saying she could not say and also said, "It's also possible, is it not that the question you raise could come before the court. And we are not at liberty to preview."
Back in June of 2013, The Washington Post and The Guardian released stories that showed proof the NSA was 'up to no good'. These stories revealed they had been collecting phone record and surveillance on American citizens. The whole situation startled Americans and left many wondering the limits on the 4th amendment regarding search and seizure laws. Where is the line drawn on privacy and national security?
The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) is the highest federal court in the United States. Created under Article III of the Constitution, the Supreme Court serves to handle a number of court cases ranging in severity each year. The Supreme Court is the final interpreter of federal constitutional law. SCOTUS, however, is only allowed to work inside their jurisdiction during federal and state courts.
There are 8 associate judges and 1 chief justice. All of these positions are nominated by the President and approved by the Senate. These positions are held for life unless they are impeached or decide to resign from office. The current members are Justice Clarence Thomas, Justice Antonin Scalia, Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Justice Stephen G. Breyer, Justice Samuel Anthony Alito, Jr., Justice Elena Kagan, and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. John G. Roberts is the current Chief Justice.
Earlier this week, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Justice Antonin Scalia spoke before the National Press Club. Ginsburg was asked about her opinion on if Snowden, who leaked data from the National Security Agency, was a whistleblower or a traitor. She replied by saying she could not say and also said, "It's also possible, is it not that the question you raise could come before the court. And we are not at liberty to preview."
Back in June of 2013, The Washington Post and The Guardian released stories that showed proof the NSA was 'up to no good'. These stories revealed they had been collecting phone record and surveillance on American citizens. The whole situation startled Americans and left many wondering the limits on the 4th amendment regarding search and seizure laws. Where is the line drawn on privacy and national security?
Friday, April 11, 2014
Unit 4: Sebelius out, Obama nominates new health secretary
http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/11/politics/burwell-hhs/index.html?hpt=hp_t2
Under the separation of powers, the executive branch includes cabinets under the presidential system of government. Cabinets are advisers of the president who head different executive departments of the government. Cabinets are appointed by the president and, therefore, are usually of the same political part as the president. The selections of the president are then approved by the senate insuring that the chosen cabinet member will be suitable for the duty and not just the president's choice.
Cabinet members are the heads of fifteen different executive departments. Each department deals with a set subject in handling major federal agencies. These 15 departments include the department of agriculture, commerce, defense, education, energy, health and human services, homeland security, housing and urban development, interior, justice, labor, state, transportation, treasury, and veteran affairs.
Today, President Obama announced that he is nominating Sylvia Mathews Burwell to be the next health secretary. This job would place her ultimately in charge of overseeing Obamacare.
Burwell is currently directing the White House budget office. During her time in the White House budget office, Burwell dealt with last year's budget drama and had to send out the shutdown order after an agreement was not met.
Obama commented on Burwell's previous work in office, ""Sylvia is a proven manager, and she knows how to deliver results," he said. "And she'll need to be a proven manager because these are tough tasks, big challenges."
Burwell's new work will introduce new hardships. The implementing of Obamacare has brought about a sort of chaos inside the Department of Health and Human Services. However, the chance of the situation turning around is possible. Obamacare recently reached 7.5 million signups. Burwell's experience in the budget office and the Treasury could bring about another spike in signups if the senate approves her nomination.
Under the separation of powers, the executive branch includes cabinets under the presidential system of government. Cabinets are advisers of the president who head different executive departments of the government. Cabinets are appointed by the president and, therefore, are usually of the same political part as the president. The selections of the president are then approved by the senate insuring that the chosen cabinet member will be suitable for the duty and not just the president's choice.
Cabinet members are the heads of fifteen different executive departments. Each department deals with a set subject in handling major federal agencies. These 15 departments include the department of agriculture, commerce, defense, education, energy, health and human services, homeland security, housing and urban development, interior, justice, labor, state, transportation, treasury, and veteran affairs.
Today, President Obama announced that he is nominating Sylvia Mathews Burwell to be the next health secretary. This job would place her ultimately in charge of overseeing Obamacare.
Burwell is currently directing the White House budget office. During her time in the White House budget office, Burwell dealt with last year's budget drama and had to send out the shutdown order after an agreement was not met.
Obama commented on Burwell's previous work in office, ""Sylvia is a proven manager, and she knows how to deliver results," he said. "And she'll need to be a proven manager because these are tough tasks, big challenges."
Burwell's new work will introduce new hardships. The implementing of Obamacare has brought about a sort of chaos inside the Department of Health and Human Services. However, the chance of the situation turning around is possible. Obamacare recently reached 7.5 million signups. Burwell's experience in the budget office and the Treasury could bring about another spike in signups if the senate approves her nomination.
Friday, April 4, 2014
Unit 4: Afghanistan is still a long way from democracy
http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/afghanistan-still-long-way-democracy
Worldwide, there are three main systems of government: parliamentary, semi-presidential, and presidential. During the 1950's, 60% of the world was considered parliamentary, 30% semi-presidential, and only 10% presidential. In present times, much more of the world has switched to a democracy-type of government ran by a president. In fact, nearly two-thirds of the world are ran by either semi-presidential or presidential systems of government.
Afghanistan is considered part of the two-thirds majority as it has a presidential system of government. However, their strive for democracy is taking a great amount of time. Saturday Afghans will participate in an election to replace President Hamid Karzai.
As many voters have admitted to wanting to participate in their country's future, the threat of danger lurks for many. Violence may prevent voting levels from reaching their full potential. Just last Friday in eastern Afghanistan, two Associated Press journalists were shot by Afghan police officers while traveling alongside election workers. This specific attack was subsequent to Taliban attack on the Kabul office of government election administration panel last week. The percentage is raising fast, but currently, 10% of voting locations have been closed due to the potential danger of the site.
Another concern becoming apparent in voters' minds is potential government-sanctioned fraud. In the previous election in 2009, President Karzai's rival candidate, Abdullah Abdullah, believed the election was rigged. The allegations that followed caused mayhem in the country and almost resulted in a civil war. Many voters also question if Karzai will leave the government alone after he steps down. Some are concerned that he or his allies may continue to manipulate government decisions.
While the country is trying to become more of a democracy, the difficulty of preventing a civil war is evident. With the Taliban controlling large areas of the county, uproars of damage and violence are quite possible. Many argue that it is more important for the results of the election to be accepted by Afghans than for the results to model a stronger sense of democracy.
Worldwide, there are three main systems of government: parliamentary, semi-presidential, and presidential. During the 1950's, 60% of the world was considered parliamentary, 30% semi-presidential, and only 10% presidential. In present times, much more of the world has switched to a democracy-type of government ran by a president. In fact, nearly two-thirds of the world are ran by either semi-presidential or presidential systems of government.
Afghanistan is considered part of the two-thirds majority as it has a presidential system of government. However, their strive for democracy is taking a great amount of time. Saturday Afghans will participate in an election to replace President Hamid Karzai.
As many voters have admitted to wanting to participate in their country's future, the threat of danger lurks for many. Violence may prevent voting levels from reaching their full potential. Just last Friday in eastern Afghanistan, two Associated Press journalists were shot by Afghan police officers while traveling alongside election workers. This specific attack was subsequent to Taliban attack on the Kabul office of government election administration panel last week. The percentage is raising fast, but currently, 10% of voting locations have been closed due to the potential danger of the site.
Another concern becoming apparent in voters' minds is potential government-sanctioned fraud. In the previous election in 2009, President Karzai's rival candidate, Abdullah Abdullah, believed the election was rigged. The allegations that followed caused mayhem in the country and almost resulted in a civil war. Many voters also question if Karzai will leave the government alone after he steps down. Some are concerned that he or his allies may continue to manipulate government decisions.
While the country is trying to become more of a democracy, the difficulty of preventing a civil war is evident. With the Taliban controlling large areas of the county, uproars of damage and violence are quite possible. Many argue that it is more important for the results of the election to be accepted by Afghans than for the results to model a stronger sense of democracy.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Unit 1: Court Upholds Constitutionality of Conn. Gun-Control Law
http://www.msnbc.com/morning-joe/court-upholds-strict-gun-law
This week, the federal court decided to uphold Connecticut's assault weapon ban. After last year alone, almost half of the states strengthened reform laws regarding gun control. The judges in Hartford said that the assult weapon ban balances the second ammendment and the Obama administration's push to reduce violence.
“The court concludes that the legislation is constitutional. While the act burdens the plaintiffs’ Second Amendment rights, it is substantially related to the important governmental interest of public safety and crime control,” U.S. District Judge Alfred Covello said.
The decision to uphold the assault weapon ban left pro-gun advocates upset to the point of suing the state last April. The court, however, rejected the argument. Brian Stapleton, who represented all of the plaintiffs, said, “The decision was not entirely unexpected, but disappointing nonetheless. I respect Judge Covello immensely, but I disagree with what he has decided. We are going to appeal.”
This week, the federal court decided to uphold Connecticut's assault weapon ban. After last year alone, almost half of the states strengthened reform laws regarding gun control. The judges in Hartford said that the assult weapon ban balances the second ammendment and the Obama administration's push to reduce violence.
“The court concludes that the legislation is constitutional. While the act burdens the plaintiffs’ Second Amendment rights, it is substantially related to the important governmental interest of public safety and crime control,” U.S. District Judge Alfred Covello said.
The decision to uphold the assault weapon ban left pro-gun advocates upset to the point of suing the state last April. The court, however, rejected the argument. Brian Stapleton, who represented all of the plaintiffs, said, “The decision was not entirely unexpected, but disappointing nonetheless. I respect Judge Covello immensely, but I disagree with what he has decided. We are going to appeal.”
The ban of assault weapons took affect after the mass shooting in December of 2012 in Newtown, Conneticut that killed 26 people, (20 of which being first grade students). When the bill went into place, it required background check on all firearm purchases, as well as regulations for buying ammunition.
Almost 800 people under the age of 18 were killed by the use of guns after the Newtown shooting. Attorney General George Jepsen of Connecticut said, “We will continue to vigorously defend them in the event of any appeal that may be filed of this decision.”
Upholding the reform is a big decision on Connecticut's part. While the fundamental rights of the Bill of Rights are issued to the states, there are some exceptions. States have the right to decide the extent of the second amendment.
Upholding the reform is a big decision on Connecticut's part. While the fundamental rights of the Bill of Rights are issued to the states, there are some exceptions. States have the right to decide the extent of the second amendment.
In my opinion, banning assault weapons is a good but also bad thing. I believe that having gun control is key. If we allow people under the age or without a background check to have possession of a gun, the probability of violence would spike. The second amendment, however, says that citizens have the right to bare arms. While this bill is violating the amendment, it is for the better of the people. We are minimizing the chance of a spike in violence like that of the Newtown shooting.
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