With 2009 coming to an end, senators begin preparing for the next year's senatorial elections. A lot banks on these elections, and many people have many questions. Will Democrats retain their filibuster proof? Will Dems keep their majority? If they do not, what happens to the Obama administration? This is a very important time for both the Democrats and Republicans. If the Republicans gain hold of Congress, any attempts by President Obama to push his health care reform bill will fail.
Even the Republicans are sweating the next election. A few of their senatorial seats have been opened up due to resignation or unpopularity.
The Democrats have seats opening up, such as the seat of the late Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts.
The current list of senators can be found at: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
More information about specific senator seats opening up can be found here.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Lou Dobbs, A Thing of the Past
Lou Dobbs announced his retirement from his anchor job on CNN, lately, on Bill O'Reilly's show. This comes as a shock to everyone who worked personally with Lou Dobbs as stated by Ed Rollins in a CNN article.
The article goes on to say that Lou became separated from the rest of the network due to his policy of choosing a side of an issue and fighting for it, whereas CNN president Jonathon Klein believes it is the public's right to make their own decision. Many at the CNN network miss Lou Dobbs, as he was an original anchor from when Ted Turner owned the station.
Dobbs states Klein released him from his contract so he could "pursue other options." What these options are I do not know.
CNN article written by Ed Rollins
The article goes on to say that Lou became separated from the rest of the network due to his policy of choosing a side of an issue and fighting for it, whereas CNN president Jonathon Klein believes it is the public's right to make their own decision. Many at the CNN network miss Lou Dobbs, as he was an original anchor from when Ted Turner owned the station.
Dobbs states Klein released him from his contract so he could "pursue other options." What these options are I do not know.
CNN article written by Ed Rollins
Maersk Alabama
The Maersk Alabama was in danger of being attacked again on November 18, 2009. More than half a year previously, this ship was taken hostage by east African Pirates and the captain was taken off the ship onto a lifeboat for almost a week until a U.S. navy crew gunned down his captors. This time, it was a different story, however, and the crew was able to repel another pirate brigade that was trying to capture the ship.
Story here.
This is the latest in a lengthy story of modern piracy that has arisen in African countries. Last year, the piracy scare was larger, and many ships, many carrying weapons, were stolen off the coast of Africa.
As the world starts to get smarter with respect to dealing with these pirates, the piracy around Africa's coast lessens, yet that does not necessarily mean that attempts to hijack ships will end any time soon.
Story here.
This is the latest in a lengthy story of modern piracy that has arisen in African countries. Last year, the piracy scare was larger, and many ships, many carrying weapons, were stolen off the coast of Africa.
As the world starts to get smarter with respect to dealing with these pirates, the piracy around Africa's coast lessens, yet that does not necessarily mean that attempts to hijack ships will end any time soon.
Is the Market Bouncing Back too Fast?
After the latest recession, the economy has been steadily building back to where it was. Many are starting to believe another crash is inevitable.
This causes doubt in the minds of consumers, which leads to people pulling their money out of the stock market (which will definitely cause the market to crash). Since jobs are still being lost and the housing market is still "up in the air" the market may drop in the near future, however, how much it drops depends on whether people begin to fear for their money and take it out of the market.
There are many alternatives that are far better than hiding your money in the bank. In a CNN-Money article, Walter Updegrave explains these alternative options. Basically, he believes in a mix of different bond options and a diverse range of stocks in order to make sure your money is protected if the market crashes. This is the safest way to still make money.
Updegrave's entire article can be found here.
This causes doubt in the minds of consumers, which leads to people pulling their money out of the stock market (which will definitely cause the market to crash). Since jobs are still being lost and the housing market is still "up in the air" the market may drop in the near future, however, how much it drops depends on whether people begin to fear for their money and take it out of the market.
There are many alternatives that are far better than hiding your money in the bank. In a CNN-Money article, Walter Updegrave explains these alternative options. Basically, he believes in a mix of different bond options and a diverse range of stocks in order to make sure your money is protected if the market crashes. This is the safest way to still make money.
Updegrave's entire article can be found here.
Iranian Nuclear Enrichment
The UN found a nuclear site that was unauthorized in Iran recently, which has started the chain reaction of other countries denouncing Iran's actions. While the country maintains it needs nuclear energy to solve its energy crisis, countries remain adamant that they shut down the program since it was not authorized. Germany has threatened additional sanctions against Iran if they do not follow the request by multiple Countries. U.S. diplomat to Iran, Susan Rice, denounced the actions of Iran, saying "We view the Iranian announcement, if it is in fact accurate and implemented...as completely inappropriate and further isolating Iran from the international community."
See the BBC report.
See the BBC report.
Cheney/Palin '12?
Let's hope not, that would be good neither for the Republican party or the country. Both Dick Cheney (George Walker Bush's Vice President) and Sarah Palin (GOP VP nominee who ran with John McCain) have tested the American public with many scandals. For instance, Dick Cheney's involvement with the Enron scandal (where it seemed as if Enron was getting special treatment by the government due to Cheney's involvement in the company) makes him seem like a less than truthful character. In addition, many believe Sarah Palin to be incompetent. If her reason for quitting as governor of Alaska was to run for president, this notion would be furthered. Cheney is said to have taken the office of the Vice President to the highest stage of power it has ever had (not a good thing).
Many Jokes of Sarah Palin:
Many people have ridiculed these two people, even in serious news. In Katie Couric's interview, Palin paints herself as inept, forcing John McCain to sit in on the next interview.
So, let's hope that these two do not form a ticket or even run separately, this would not be a good idea for the country.
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Excuse Me Your Dick Is Out | ||||
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Many Jokes of Sarah Palin:
Many people have ridiculed these two people, even in serious news. In Katie Couric's interview, Palin paints herself as inept, forcing John McCain to sit in on the next interview.
So, let's hope that these two do not form a ticket or even run separately, this would not be a good idea for the country.
U.S.-India Relations
At the State dinner for Manmohan Singh at the White House, President Obama reassured Singh of his many worries.
In my opinion, the most important issue is India's request of the United States for nuclear science to be shared to the Asian sub-continent. India has been searching for alternative energy due to their largest population per capita and their need to lessen dependency on foreign oil. Because of this they have turned to nuclear energy as the solution. At the State Dinner Fareed Zakaria reported that the Indian Prime Minister was supposedly relieved at the United States' stance towards India, and "there was a very warm feeling."
See the other worries of the Indian Prime.
In my opinion, the most important issue is India's request of the United States for nuclear science to be shared to the Asian sub-continent. India has been searching for alternative energy due to their largest population per capita and their need to lessen dependency on foreign oil. Because of this they have turned to nuclear energy as the solution. At the State Dinner Fareed Zakaria reported that the Indian Prime Minister was supposedly relieved at the United States' stance towards India, and "there was a very warm feeling."
See the other worries of the Indian Prime.
The "Colbert Bump"
The two stars of Comedy Central are undoubtedly The Daily Show's John Stewart and Stephen Colbert of the Colbert Report. It is a question of how much influence these two wield in the political world.
Bill O'Reilly asks this question in an interview with John Stewart:
In addition, Stephen Colbert has been known to give his "Colbert Bump" to candidates who have appeared on his show. Also he has rallied the "Colbert Nation" into fulfilling his bidding, such as buying his album on i tunes and voting his name as the name that should appear on the NASA satellite.
This following clip,where he appears on Larry King Live, characterizes his importance in the media and politics.
It is clear that these two "news correspondents" do have influence over many people (mostly ages 18-25 as O'Reilly stated).
Bill O'Reilly asks this question in an interview with John Stewart:
In addition, Stephen Colbert has been known to give his "Colbert Bump" to candidates who have appeared on his show. Also he has rallied the "Colbert Nation" into fulfilling his bidding, such as buying his album on i tunes and voting his name as the name that should appear on the NASA satellite.
This following clip,where he appears on Larry King Live, characterizes his importance in the media and politics.
It is clear that these two "news correspondents" do have influence over many people (mostly ages 18-25 as O'Reilly stated).
"Faith in America"
Faith in America is a speech by Mitt Romney where he characterized his religion in his own view. He gives reasons why he will not leave his religion, and tells those who oppose his candidacy for the President of the United States because of his religion how ridiculous they are. Recently, Romney is under fire, again for his religion. While he was the runner-up in the primaries during the 2008 elections, an approximate 18% of Republicans refuse to vote for him solely based on his Mormon views. While he is the front runner (at this point) for the up coming 2012 election, this refusal of certain Republicans to vote for him may damage his chances at victory.
"Faith in America"
As always, there are critics of Romney. In this clip, John Stewart of the Daily Show pokes fun at Romney and certain things he has said.
CNN's David Frum writes about Romney's religion in the article found here.
"Faith in America"
As always, there are critics of Romney. In this clip, John Stewart of the Daily Show pokes fun at Romney and certain things he has said.
CNN's David Frum writes about Romney's religion in the article found here.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Scientology
The Church of Scientology has always had criticism for their beliefs. In Paris, they were sued by a former member who held that they had, through psychological harassment, caused her to waste many thousands of dollars on their programs and vitamin supplements. This is just one of the many "scandals" that the Church of Scientology has gone through.
During the California gubernatorial election, the Church of Scientology endorsed the infamous Proposition 8 which banned same-sex marriage. A staunch member of the Church for 35 years, Paul Haggis (writer of such movies as "Million Dollar Baby" and "Crash") came out in opposition of the Church's views saying he would not be in any organization that "gay-bashes."
The Church has many A-list celebrities, such as Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Kirstie Alley, and most of the celebrities that have actually left the organization have done so quietly. However, Paul Haggis wrote a public letter to the leader stating his views about same-sex marriage and that even though he has implemented principles learned through his religion, he refuses to be part of a religion that is intolerant.
With such events like this, it is no wonder the Church has so many critics.
The entirety of this story can be found on CNN's website article.
During the California gubernatorial election, the Church of Scientology endorsed the infamous Proposition 8 which banned same-sex marriage. A staunch member of the Church for 35 years, Paul Haggis (writer of such movies as "Million Dollar Baby" and "Crash") came out in opposition of the Church's views saying he would not be in any organization that "gay-bashes."
The Church has many A-list celebrities, such as Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Kirstie Alley, and most of the celebrities that have actually left the organization have done so quietly. However, Paul Haggis wrote a public letter to the leader stating his views about same-sex marriage and that even though he has implemented principles learned through his religion, he refuses to be part of a religion that is intolerant.
With such events like this, it is no wonder the Church has so many critics.
The entirety of this story can be found on CNN's website article.
Afghanistan Fiasco
In a recent report after reviewing many documents, the Democratic staff of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee announced its criticism of the Bush administration's failure to capture Bin Laden when U.S. forces had cornered in the Tora Bora mountains in Afghanistan.
This comes at the same time as the Obama administration's announcement of an increase of troops being sent to the region.
A video from Russia Today in which the future troop increase is debated:
Many are skeptical about the increase of troops, especially because of the promised exit strategy that President Obama promised. The question arises: how can we exit when we are sending more troops?
This comes at the same time as the Obama administration's announcement of an increase of troops being sent to the region.
A video from Russia Today in which the future troop increase is debated:
Many are skeptical about the increase of troops, especially because of the promised exit strategy that President Obama promised. The question arises: how can we exit when we are sending more troops?
Abortion Rights
Recently, Patrick Kennedy (son of the late Edward Kennedy) was barred from receiving communion by a catholic bishop in Rhode Island due to his support for abortion rights. The request from Bishop Thomas Tobin dates back to February, 2007, however the Bishop has recently asked Kennedy to honor that request.
After such a request, and Kennedy's attack on the Church's views of abortion, he was denied communion.
A video by the associated press:
Abortion rights has been one of the longest on-going issues between conservatives and liberals. In my opinion, a family should be able to choose their options, and even though some religious individuals (such as Patrick Kennedy, a member of one of the most acclaimed Catholic family) are pro-choice, they are not necessarily in favor of abortion.
BBC elaborates more on the topic
After such a request, and Kennedy's attack on the Church's views of abortion, he was denied communion.
A video by the associated press:
Abortion rights has been one of the longest on-going issues between conservatives and liberals. In my opinion, a family should be able to choose their options, and even though some religious individuals (such as Patrick Kennedy, a member of one of the most acclaimed Catholic family) are pro-choice, they are not necessarily in favor of abortion.
BBC elaborates more on the topic
Health Reform
The health care reform bill is set to be debated in the Senate on the 30th of November. It remains to be seen if Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid (shown below), will be able to form a filibuster proof to end Republicans' attempts to talk the bill to death, however it remains unsure that proof will be formed.
The bill's purpose is to create a government-funded health insurance option that will be competing against private insurance groups (it will not be mandatory that everyone switch to this group, however it will become mandatory that all citizens have health care).
The idea that all citizens need health care is an important notion due to the high cost of treatment that those without health care impose on hospitals. Even when patients lack health care, it is a hospitals duty to treat them, and many times this cost is eaten by that hospital. With a national health care bill, the cost of treatment should reduce.
For cnn's coverage of the senate health reform debate click here
The bill's purpose is to create a government-funded health insurance option that will be competing against private insurance groups (it will not be mandatory that everyone switch to this group, however it will become mandatory that all citizens have health care).
The idea that all citizens need health care is an important notion due to the high cost of treatment that those without health care impose on hospitals. Even when patients lack health care, it is a hospitals duty to treat them, and many times this cost is eaten by that hospital. With a national health care bill, the cost of treatment should reduce.
For cnn's coverage of the senate health reform debate click here
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