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.