Original Article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122694399164234073.html
Even though it was just two weeks ago that Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain were outstanding rivals, the tables have most certainly turned. Now the President-elect Obama and Sen. McCain are working together to help bring about the "changes" to better the country.
They agreed on working together on three main isses: immigration reform, changes in the detention facility in Guantanamo Bay and climate change. For two people who were such strong rivals not too long ago, it will definitely be an interesting transition to see how they come to work together when both Obama and McCain have clashing views in many fields.
Working together will actually benefit both of them. For Obama, working with McCain will help him gain "support from the former Republican presidential candidate and help fulfill his pledge to reach for bipartisan solutions." Whereas for Sen. McCain, establishing a foundation with Obama and the White House could "allow him to wield influence in a Democratic-controlled Congress"(WSJ.com).
When asked whether he will support Obama with his administration, McCain replied "obviously." The two plan on working together to bring in an "era of reform to Washington." The 45-minute meeting in Chicago was cordial and in good terms as the "two men sat side-by-side in armchairs, with an American flag behind them and each flanked by an adviser; Sen. Lindsey Graham (R.,S.C.), and Obama's future White House Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel."
The purpose of the meeting, answers Obama, was to have a "good conversation about how they can do some work together to fix up the country, and also to offer thanks to Sen. McCain for the outstanding service that he's already rendered."
Amongst discussing other topics such as Iraq, the main issues discussed were the three topics they both agree upon. For the issue regarding climate change, they both support "a cap-and-trade system for controlling carbon dioxide and other industry emissions that many scientists belive contribute to global warming.
On the issue of immigration, they both have support for overhauling a system that includes a "path to citizenship for illegal immigrants." Both Obama and McCain support "closing the military detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba." Even though Obama can manage to close the facility on his own, he believes that Sen. McCain's support, who is a Vietnam veteran, would be "helpful poilitically."
Discussion Questions:
1.) Is it really wise for Obama and McCain, two very recent rivals, to be working so closely on important issues?
2.)Do you think there is potential danger in the two men working together on issues such as immigration policies and climate change policies, issues where they argued with such clashing views?
3.) Do you think Obama supporters would feel any more differently if McCain was replaced with Hillary Clinton? Why or why not?
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Election Day 2008
It’s over. The longest and most expensive presidential campaign in U. S. history ended last night with Barack Obama’s clear victory, both in the electoral and popular vote. His victory did not come easy; he had to outfight formidable opponents in Hillary Clinton and John McCain and persuade Americans that he had the ability to lead them in tough times. But the precision and professionalism with which he and his advisors ran his campaign made him the decisive winner and gave America its first African American president. It was a stunning moment, especially for people like me who vividly remember that less than fifty years ago, segregation was legal in the South and de facto segregation was pervasive in the North. Barack Obama’s victory does not mark the end of racism in the United States, but I think that it marks the beginning of the end.
This election galvanized voters of all parties. Everywhere I went yesterday, people sported “I Voted” stickers and were eager to discuss the election. My husband and I went to West Springfield High School at 7:15 AM to vote and found that the line was already snaking its way out of the building. But despite the early hour and the long line, people were upbeat and talkative, energized (in part) by the coffee and baked goods volunteers were selling outside, but mostly by a keen awareness that we were taking part in a historic election. Our long line moved swiftly, and in less than an hour, my husband and I were inside the school and voting. The use of scannable paper ballots made it possible for more people to vote at once, and this new voting method kept the line moving and frustration low. What about you? What happened when you went to vote?
On Mason’s campus, the weather was dreary and damp, but spirits were high.
Student Government ran vans to the Woodson High School polling place, and volunteers promoted this service by becoming “human advertisements.”
Rain apparently, does not damper revolutions!
This guy stole my heart!
Our university was not without its own drama. Yesterday morning, a hacker broke into the Provost’s email account and sent out a fake message announcing that the election had been moved to November 5th. Rumors circulated that Mason students who voted could lose their financial aid.
But such lame attempts proved ineffective against the smart and savvy youthful voters who went to the polls in record numbers. Your demographic – voters between the ages of 18 and 25 – voted overwhelmingly for Obama and helped power him to victory. Now it’s your turn to act upon that mandate and consider how you will help him guide our nation toward economic recovery, energy reform, and improved security both at home and abroad.
How will you meet the challenge Obama made to all Americans in his victory speech last night that change can’t happen without “a new spirit of patriotism, a new spirit of sacrifice?” How has this election influenced your outlook on the future and the role you will play in it as a working professional?
This election galvanized voters of all parties. Everywhere I went yesterday, people sported “I Voted” stickers and were eager to discuss the election. My husband and I went to West Springfield High School at 7:15 AM to vote and found that the line was already snaking its way out of the building. But despite the early hour and the long line, people were upbeat and talkative, energized (in part) by the coffee and baked goods volunteers were selling outside, but mostly by a keen awareness that we were taking part in a historic election. Our long line moved swiftly, and in less than an hour, my husband and I were inside the school and voting. The use of scannable paper ballots made it possible for more people to vote at once, and this new voting method kept the line moving and frustration low. What about you? What happened when you went to vote?
On Mason’s campus, the weather was dreary and damp, but spirits were high.
Student Government ran vans to the Woodson High School polling place, and volunteers promoted this service by becoming “human advertisements.”
Rain apparently, does not damper revolutions!
This guy stole my heart!
Our university was not without its own drama. Yesterday morning, a hacker broke into the Provost’s email account and sent out a fake message announcing that the election had been moved to November 5th. Rumors circulated that Mason students who voted could lose their financial aid.
But such lame attempts proved ineffective against the smart and savvy youthful voters who went to the polls in record numbers. Your demographic – voters between the ages of 18 and 25 – voted overwhelmingly for Obama and helped power him to victory. Now it’s your turn to act upon that mandate and consider how you will help him guide our nation toward economic recovery, energy reform, and improved security both at home and abroad.
How will you meet the challenge Obama made to all Americans in his victory speech last night that change can’t happen without “a new spirit of patriotism, a new spirit of sacrifice?” How has this election influenced your outlook on the future and the role you will play in it as a working professional?
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Obama on Health-Plan
Obama on Health-Plan
Article : http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122411099379238283.html
During the election concerning to healthcare issue, Senator John McCain’s plan is offering $2500 per person or $5000 per family tax credit so that everybody can get health insurance. Senator Barrack Obama propose his universal healthcare plan where people could buy health insurance through either a new Medicare- like government run option or private plan. He also tax credits to encourages small business to provide healthcare for employee.
Senator John McCain raises the same question as Obama used to against former senator Hillary Clinton about health plan penalties. He asks Senator Obama how he will fine on companies that don’t offer their worker health insurance. Obama has hasn't given any clear cut solution. McCain believes that the mandate and the fine should apply to large employers.
No matter what you think whether a universal healthcare is good or a private healthcare will make more sense, the clip below may affect your thinking about buying “healthcare” is the matter of cost or necessary:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tT3KiB2otV0Discussion question:
1. Do you agree with Nick Gillespie? Explain.
2. What do you think about socialize medicine?
3. If you agree with Obama’s plan, what do you think about the young adult who can afford for healthcare but refuse to buy it?
4. As a taxpayer, are you willing to pay extra tax so that the government will run universal healthcare?
5. If Obama won the election, do you think many companies will drop their employees’ healthcare plan because they have to pay more tax on business?
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Palin: Formidable Debater?
Article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122281636354892281.html
Could Govornor Sarah Palin be a better debater than she lets on from her current television interviews?
While running for the position of Governor of Alaska two years ago, Sarah Palin surprised her opponents and voting Alaskans alike with her ability to get into the spirit of the debate and duke it out with her older male opponents. Sarah Palin started out her debate holding cue cards to assist her with difficult policy questions, but was able to quickly get rid of them and participate fluidly in the debate. This let Alaskans walk away impressed rather than concerned. Part of Govonor Palin’s 2006 debate can be seen below.Though Senator Palin had success in her debates for the position of Alaskan Governor her current television appearances and interviews are leaving all but the most die-hard of republicans worried about her upcoming performance in the Vice Presidential debates this week.
Many fear that Governor Palin is not prepared for this debate when comparing the experience of Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Joe Biden, who is backed by “three decades of congressional deliberations, as well as two rounds of presidential-nominating contests with their own sets of debates” according to the Wall Street Journal article.
This combined with her performance in recent interviews has caused many critics to become very vocal towards Gov. Palin as can be seen in the clip below which shows CNN’s Jack Cafferty’s views on Sarah Palin.
Her performance in previews public events such as the one discussed in the video above have brought serious concerns toward Gov. Palin’s qualifications to be in such a high position of power in the United States. Jack Cafferty seriously questions Gov. palin's ability to be vice President in the above video, stating that:
“This woman is one 72 year olds heartbeat away from being President of the United States, and if that does not scare the hell out of you, it should.”
-Jack Cafferty 9/26/2008
Regardless of Gov. Palin’s past performance the Democrats are not taking her performance in the upcoming debate lightly which is what Gov. Palin’s two competitors for in the 2006 elections seemed to have done. During the campaign Gov. Murkowski and John Binkley fought between themselves, seemingly ignoring Palin until it was too late. Gov. Palin was able to make a connection with the viewing audience and win their support.
The National debates could be harder for Gov. Palin to repeat a past debate performance however. The questions may require concrete answers that Gov. Palin may not be able to answer, and while Gov. Palin may be good at avoiding questions she does not wish to answer, that may be impossible during this debate.
If Gov. Palin continues to fail to meet media and voter expectations in her public appearances, it may have a dramatic effect on McCain’s ability to secure the White House come Election Day. Should she bomb the VP debates, she will likely take McCain down with her.
Discussion Questions \ tl;dr:
Can Sarah Palin be a better debater than her current interviews seem to make her out to be?
If Gov. Palin continues her history of bad press in the debate, how much of an impact do you feel this will have Sen. McCain’s chances of becoming president?
In the second video above, Jack Cafferty states “This woman is one 72 year olds heartbeat away from being President of the United States, and if that does not scare the hell out of you, it should” Is Gov. Palin prepared to be president of the United States should Sen. McCain become president?
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
$700 Billion Bailout
Article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122210246062663303.html
With the recent failings of Fannie May and Freddy Mac, the US economy has been in a downward spiral. Thus a new issue for the upcoming presidential election between John McCain and Barack Obama has risen. These two hopeful presidential elect’s are now going to have to weigh in on new economical politics and policies associated with the purposed $700 billion Treasury bailout. In all likelihood the stance that McCain and Obama take on this issue will help persuade or dissuade potential voters.
Both stances have its pros and cons as explained by Executive Washington Editor Jerry Seib in this video. http://online.wsj.com/video/the-prospects-of-paulson-bailout-package/541B13F0-FC83-4DCC-A4C2-6E3AB528311B.html
On opposite sides of many political issues, McCain and Obama actually agree in principle to some changes they both view as needed in the legislation. Both want more supervision of the Treasury, restrictions of executive pay, increased regulation of the bailout proceedings, and support for a struggling middle class America. McCain was quoted saying “My friends, the top executives are asking for $2.5 billion in bonuses after they ran the company into the ground.". In similar fashion Obama has said he would not agree to handing over a “blank check to Washington with no oversight and accountability when no oversight and accountability is what got us into this mess in the first place."
All similarities aside, McCain initially was against the government bailout of American Interational Group Inc. (AIG). He later changed his stance on the issue when a condition was made that insured taxpayers could recover money if the company bounces back. However, in a draft the Treasury presented over the weekend, a comparable condition was found absent. Making it all the more likely for McCain to oppose the bailout as in his decades in Congress he has seldomly supported government spending bills.
Obama, on the other hand, in the past has been more content with backing government spending bills and has not given any indication that he will not support the bailout.
So, as it stands now, it looks as if McCain and Obama will once again be on opposite sides of the fence.
Discussion Questions
1. Do you have trust in the US Government do what is best interest for the average American or do you think they will be lobbied to do what is best for the big companies?
2. How do you as a taxpayer feel about the purposed Treasury bailout? Do to you think it is necessary to have one, to ensure a rebound in the economy?
3. In the upcoming presidential election will McCain’s or Obama’s opinion on whether we should have a bailout or not persuade you to vote for one over the other?
With the recent failings of Fannie May and Freddy Mac, the US economy has been in a downward spiral. Thus a new issue for the upcoming presidential election between John McCain and Barack Obama has risen. These two hopeful presidential elect’s are now going to have to weigh in on new economical politics and policies associated with the purposed $700 billion Treasury bailout. In all likelihood the stance that McCain and Obama take on this issue will help persuade or dissuade potential voters.
Both stances have its pros and cons as explained by Executive Washington Editor Jerry Seib in this video. http://online.wsj.com/video/the-prospects-of-paulson-bailout-package/541B13F0-FC83-4DCC-A4C2-6E3AB528311B.html
On opposite sides of many political issues, McCain and Obama actually agree in principle to some changes they both view as needed in the legislation. Both want more supervision of the Treasury, restrictions of executive pay, increased regulation of the bailout proceedings, and support for a struggling middle class America. McCain was quoted saying “My friends, the top executives are asking for $2.5 billion in bonuses after they ran the company into the ground.". In similar fashion Obama has said he would not agree to handing over a “blank check to Washington with no oversight and accountability when no oversight and accountability is what got us into this mess in the first place."
All similarities aside, McCain initially was against the government bailout of American Interational Group Inc. (AIG). He later changed his stance on the issue when a condition was made that insured taxpayers could recover money if the company bounces back. However, in a draft the Treasury presented over the weekend, a comparable condition was found absent. Making it all the more likely for McCain to oppose the bailout as in his decades in Congress he has seldomly supported government spending bills.
Obama, on the other hand, in the past has been more content with backing government spending bills and has not given any indication that he will not support the bailout.
So, as it stands now, it looks as if McCain and Obama will once again be on opposite sides of the fence.
Discussion Questions
1. Do you have trust in the US Government do what is best interest for the average American or do you think they will be lobbied to do what is best for the big companies?
2. How do you as a taxpayer feel about the purposed Treasury bailout? Do to you think it is necessary to have one, to ensure a rebound in the economy?
3. In the upcoming presidential election will McCain’s or Obama’s opinion on whether we should have a bailout or not persuade you to vote for one over the other?
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