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.