Adios Electoral College

On The Gov Spot blog, MCarr discusses getting rid of the Electoral College once and for all. I strongly agree with this viewpoint. Ever since I learned about the Electoral College process in my 8th grade history class, I’ve felt that it was an unfair way to elect the president of the United States. The president should be elected by a popular vote where every individual vote cast matters.
The Electoral College is not always a true representation of what the people want. For example, in the 2000 presidential election Gore won the majority of the popular vote, but because Bush received more electoral votes he was awarded the presidency. Eliminating the Electoral College will prevent disasters like this from ever happening again. Some people in America have stopped voting because they believe their vote really doesn’t make a difference. Our country was built on the principle of equal representation and we need to get rid of the Electoral College in order to get back to this.

State Relief

Earlier this afternoon President Obama signed a $26.1 billion state aid bill, allowing local governments to get immediate relief for things such as Medicaid, education and law enforcement. The bill is estimated to save or create 300, 000 jobs. Some republicans are arguing that the federal government is spending too much money but in my opinion it is money that will be well spent if the bill does what it is designed to do. As a future educator I am glad that the House saw fit to sign a bill that will help prevent teacher layoffs. In an already struggling public school system, we cannot afford to loose the good educators that we have. Of the total amount $16 billion will be allocated to the states for Medicaid, which will free up the state budgets to keep approximately 150,000 police officers. The only provision about the bill that I see a problem with is the reduction of food stamps for poor families. I think the federal government should find another area to draw from so that poor American families do not have to go hungry. Republicans are calling the bill a giveaway to teacher’s unions and an example of wasteful Washington spending. I don’t believe it is waste of money to save the jobs of those who educate our children and protect our communities from crime. Yes, $26.1 billion is a lot of money and it may seem like an extreme amount, but it is needed to repair the damage done by our current recession.

Just Say No

Until reading a few of the other blog posts I was not aware that the legalization of marijuana in California could possibly be taking place. I immediately foresee the problems to come if this law were to be put into effect. California could be setting a precedent for other states. If residents cold grow it in their own homes, it would not be monitored like the administration of prescription drugs in pharmacies. Minors under the age of 21 could easily have access to it and though there may be some “positive” medical benefits I think we can all agree that the negative side effects have a longer lasting effect. I believe the government (federal and state) has a moral responsibility to the people to pass laws that will only benefit and protect them in the end. The amount of jobs and tax revenue this legislation could bring in isn’t worth risking the lives and safety of the American people. I hope this law does not pass in California and if it does I hope that other states choose not to follow in their footsteps.

Time to Go

As I watched CNN earlier this afternoon, the broadcaster reported that this July had been the deadliest month for our troops in Afghanistan since we started the war. It makes me wonder-haven’t we done enough and finished the job we set out to do?

When we first entered the war in October 2001, the U.S had three primary goals: to strengthen the local and national government, improve education and improve the status of women. I feel that we have accomplished all of the goals better than anyone expected. Since our American soldiers have been there, the people of Afghanistan have participated in a democratic election. They have witnessed what democracy is and how it is supposed to operate. After the democratic republic was established, reform on the educational system began and more than 4 million boys and girls are currently enrolled in school. Progression in the treatment of women has improved significantly. The Afghan government has removed discriminatory laws against women and has redrafted the constitution to include non-discrimination. Women are even taking a role in government, with two serving as ambassadors.

Afghanistan has come a long way in the in the 9 years since the war has started. Yes, there will always to more to improve on and do but America has done substantial amount of work to improve the lives of Afghan citizens and protect American citizens on the home front.

President Obama has stated that he plans on withdrawing troops July 2011. For the thousands of soldiers who risk their lives everyday and are separated from their families, this day could not come sooner.

Much Needed Senate Reform

The author of the Political Animal blog on Washington Monthly, Steve Benen, blogs about much needed reform in the U.S. Senate (Bringing Institutional Reform to the Senate, July 27) . Benen is a credible, logical voice who worked for former President Clinton and received his bachelor’s and master’s in political science. In his blog Benen discusses the frustrations the Senate deals with on a daily basis when it comes to passing legislation. Blame is being thrown back and forth and placed on both sides but nothing is getting accomplished because of the super majority requirement. Benen feels our current Congress has mainly been a success but there is still a lot of potential to be uncovered if the Senate operated under majority rule.
In the past few years, I can think of a few bills (health care reform, being the one that first comes to mind) that have yet to be passed because of the legislation dysfunction that is present in our Senate. Between filibusters and all of the steps a bill has to go through before it even reaches the floor, legislation that is needed and wanted by our citizens will never see the light of day.
Thankfully our current system is getting a second look and those that are higher up are beginning to realize that we can’t carry on the way that we have been and still expect to get results. Benen states that “momentum” is rising to change certain senate rules like silent filibusters. Of course like with any reform that occurs in America, no one is sure how the change will come about or how long it will take.

Immigration: Federal or State Case

The author in this editorial of the Austin-American Statesman makes a good case in regards to the controversial issue of immigration, in reference to the laws recently passed in Arizona. His argument really includes every American, whether you agree or disagree with how illegal immigration is being dealt with. Though he happens to be in support of President Obama’s lawsuit he argues that the issue regardless of where you stand should be resolved in a federal courthouse. His logic makes sense. Even though every state has its own problems regarding immigrants the standard should be set by the federal government to prevent profiling of American citizens. It’s obvious to everyone that America has numerous issues with illegal immigrants and the way they are handled. The author is by no means suggesting we turn a blind eye to aiding in breaking the law, but we should step back and reevaluate how we are handling the situation. The author suggests that federal interference is necessary to prevent confusion amongst the states. There needs to be a clearly stated law throughout the country, only allowing for flexibility in rare circumstances. No matter where you live illegal immigration affects every citizen and that is why a federal, not a state, decision should be made on the issue.

I personally agree with the points the author has made. I am in favor of immigration laws, but not in a way that subjects our citizens to profiling and discrimination simply because they may “look” suspicious to law enforcement. When one law enforcement official makes that choice you are acting based on opinion or feeling, not the law on which America is founded.

Wall Street Reform

This article was posted on July 15 on CNN's website by Jennifer Liberto. The article titled “ Wall Street reform: On to Obama” is worth reading because it discusses the biggest change to America’s financial crisis since the recession started in 2008. On Thursday afternoon, the Senate voted to pass the Wall Street reform bill. The bill is said to bring about some of the biggest changes since the 1930’s. The primary goals of the bill are to strengthen consumer protection, control complex financial products and reduce future bank bailouts. The bill is in the process of being sent to President Obama and is expected to be signed into law on Friday.