Saturday, February 28, 2009
Can Jindal be the face of the Republican Party?
The GOP needs youth and they thought they had found in with Jindal. He not only is he in his thirties, but a minority! Like most people know the GOP is full of old, white dudes, who don't want to reach out for the minority vote. But the GOP does have some smart people, since they are trying to have the GOP's poster boy be an Indian-American. I was really happy that they noticed that minorities can be very useful. So the GOP is trying to figure out how to get out of the doghouse and they seem to be on the right track. The are showing that they can break out of the norm and are changing the ways they plan to get back into power.
I was getting excited about this new change in the GOP and guess what happened?
Jindal decided to speak on the national TV and make a fool out himself. He went on for 12 minutes talking about how he has cross the party lines and help Louisiana after Katrina. Guess what Jindal? No one cares what you did three years. Not only did he sound fake but his whole message was pointless. He followed President Obama, who is great orator, and this just showed that the GOP doesn't have their next Obama. All sides heavily criticized Jindal and they are right. He was fake when the GOP needs someone who is really and who can convinced people that the GOP is still alive. He tried to talk about how bipartisanship is needed which the GOP is clearly not considering (very ironic). And then goes on to say that what the Democrats are doing is wrong but fails to mention a better plan. See for yourself the video of Jindal http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/02/25/jindal.reaction/index.html?iref=newssearch#cnnSTCVideo
So now to answer the question Can Jindal be the face of the Republican party? He has the qualifications. He is a minority, very young, and extremely smart. But he cant energize the people or keep them awake. So my answer is no. The GOP needs someone who can get people crying and Jindal does not have the charisma the GOP needs.
For my fellow republicans I'm sorry but lets find someone with charisma and intelligence. Something the party has been lacking for many years.
Today in Political History
Feb. 28, 1861
Congress establishes the Territory of Colorado. The main reason: gold. For many years after the United States obtained the area now known as Colorado, it was populated largely by Native Americans. This changed in 1858, when Anglo prospectors panned pieces of the precious mineral out of area streams. The news spread quickly. Within a year about 50,000 more fortune hunters joined them, settled in the area, and tried to set up some system of land ownership and basic laws. The informal system they came up with could not keep up with the growing number of settlers, an the government—which was about to start fighting the Civil War—was forced to intervene. Congress took pieces of the Nebraska, Utah, Kansas and New Mexico territories and designated them the Colorado Territory. William Gilpin became the territory's first governor. In August 1876 Colorado became a state, with the same boundaries it had had as a territory.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Treasury advisers ponder ways to fund GM, Chrysler bankruptcy
But the efforts do not reflect any decisions about the industry's future, an Obama administration official said Monday.
The Wall Street Journal reported outside firms were trying to arrange as much as $40 billion in financing for Detroit's GM and Chrysler, which is owned by New York's Cerberus Capital Management LP. Administration officials told the Journal they are trying to find a way to restructure the two companies without resorting to bankruptcy and that the latest efforts are "due diligence."
Such money, known as debtor in possession financing, keeps bankrupt companies operating in return for ownership stakes or first claims on any future profits. The Journal said a $40 billion loan would be five times larger than the previous record for DIP financing and that several banks had reservations about such a plan.
The administration official told the Free Press the government had to explore all possible options as part of the review of GM and Auburn Hills-based Chrysler's request for $21.6 billion in additional aid.
source: http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20090224/NEWS03/902240312/1004/NEWS03
The problem of GM and Chrysler has happened for long time (Those companies has been fund for decades), but the government still funding the bankrupt companies is against the principle of free market economy. If the government is still going to fund GM and Chrysler, the tax payer will pay more tax for funding the profit-maximizing firms. If those companies cannot resolve their lose, the government would be in trouble because more bankrupt companies would request fund from the government.
Obama to lay out 8 keys to health plan
This article talks about how Obama administration will attempt to extend health care coverage with at 634 billion reserve fund, and basically he would pay for half the plan with a new tax hike on wealthy Americans. His goal is to bring down the cost of care and to get universal coverage. Especially in a time of crisis, was it necessary for Obama to increase taxes? However, this step is not consider as an awesome achievement, rather a big step in acquiring universal health care.
watch the video:
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Obama puts forth ambitious agenda in speech
Monday, February 23, 2009
TACL Summer Political Internship - Interested??
The Taiwanese American Citizens League (TACL) Summer Political Internship Program, established in 1992, places college students in the offices of state and federal elected officials. Interns work to promote Taiwanese culture, heritage and identity while gaining a greater understanding of the American political system through active, hands-on involvement. All college students interested in Taiwanese American issues may also apply.
Interns gain valuable, working knowledge through assignments in political offices located throughout the Greater Los Angeles area, Orange County, San Francisco Bay Area, and Washington DC. In addition to working in their offices, interns visit top legislators in an intense lobbying trip, attend community events, participate in leadership development workshops, and various other activities.
TACL interns also gain access to a network of TACL alumni through our unique mentorship program. Alumni of the TACL Political Internship Program have gone on to become elected officials, Congressional staffers, state and local level government staffers, local business leaders and students in top graduate school programs.
Applications DUE BY Monday, March 23, 2009.
QUESTIONS? Julia Tsai (julia.tsai@tacl.org)
Please write "TACL INTERNSHIP" in email subject heading for applications or questions.
Application: http://tacl.org/classic/
Ben Ling
TAP Board of Directors
http://tap.tacl.org
TACL LA Chapter Board Member
http://la.tacl.org
TACL Political Internship Alumni/Mentor Director
http://www.tacl.org/classic/
Direct: 714 257-4435
Cell: 909 964-7272
e-mail: bling@tacl.org
Friday, February 20, 2009
Might be worth your read
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7889120.stm
Democrats, Ethics, who can we trust
This has been a hard lesson for me over the years. I used to get behind certain candidates and political leaders much like many people got behind Obama recently--like this person is going to bring some kind of salvation to our nation.
Now, I have learned that politicians are mere mortals, people who struggle with the same issues I struggle with, and have the same imperfections I have. They are generally not worthy of that level of trust or hope. Those who put their trust in politicians will largely be disappointed and disillusioned. There are things worthy of this level of hope and trust. I just don't think you will find them in Washington D.C.
California AB 67
Bill of the Week - AB 67-Violating Pharmacists' Conscience In the past decade, California has made it increasingly difficult for healthcare workers with moral or religious views to continue working without violating their conscience. From mandatory euthanasia counseling to forced insemination of lesbians, many Christians, Jews, Muslims and other people with moral convictions are being forced to choose between helping patients and violating their beliefs. AB 67 is yet another attack on these healthcare professionals.
AB 67 establishes the Pharmacy Patient Protection Act of 2008, which "would require pharmacists to dispense all lawfully obtained prescriptions when the prescribed medication is in stock without regard to any ethical, moral, or religious objections." This means that a Catholic pharmacist would be breaking the law if they didn't violate their conscience and dispense birth-control or abortion-inducing drugs (morning after pills). It is shocking that lawmakers believe the "right to drugs" supersedes the freedom of religion in our Constitution. If a pharmacist violates AB 67, the pharmacist's license could be revoked. Thus, pharmacists will be placed in the unconscionable dilemma of choosing the family's livelihood or their religious beliefs.
As there is no historic or constitutional "right" to medical drugs or even medical treatment (it is the blessings of a generous and civil society, not a "right"), it seems that someone's right to freedom of religion should trump a desire for a certain drug.
This bill has not yet been passed, but given the leanings of California's legislature, it probably will be.
Steele: GOP needs 'hip-hop' makeover
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/19/steele-gop-needs-hip-hop-makeover/
Best of luck to Steele. The G.O.P. is definitely shrinking as a party, as the party principles become more and more outdated. I remember hearing a commentator somewhere comment about the Republican Party's growing resemblance to "old white people."
I don't know if the hip-hop generation is really the right word for it. Obama managed to capture the youth, and I don't recall any hip-hop generation capturing going on. Then again, his race may have helped him with that. And there was all those rap songs written about him... (link here just for fun). But they never came directly from the Democratic party itself. It's not only the "hip-hop generation" being worked at here, but Hispanics and blacks.
I wonder what Steele will do. He hasn't told anyone anything yet, saying that giving your strategy to your opponents is dumb. We'll just have to wait and see I guess.
I personally hopes that he makes corny videos that misuse youth pop culture/slang in extraordinarily cheesy ways. Not only will that be hilarious to watch, but SNL would have a field day.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
NY Post apologizes — to some — over Obama cartoon
The qualified apology didn't mollify at least some of the cartoon's critics, who said they might continue protesting Friday.
The newspaper posted an editorial on its Web site Thursday evening saying the cartoon was meant to mock the federal economic stimulus bill, but "to those who were offended by the image, we apologize."
The piece was posted hours after 200 picketers chanting "Boycott the Post! Shut it down!" marched in front of the paper's office, saying the cartoon echoed racist stereotypes of blacks as monkeys.
The editorial said that "most certainly was not its intent," adding that some media and public figures who have long-standing differences with the paper saw the cartoon "as an opportunity for payback."
Friday, February 13, 2009
Congress Passes Stimulus Plan
So it looks like President Obama's stimulus plan is finally going to be put into effect. The Senate and the House have both reached a deal that they find suitable enough to allow the package to be put into effect. I think that it is great that the all of that money (which is a lot) is being used to help get the economy going and provide (hopefully) 3.5m jobs for people across the country. And with these jobs that people will be receiving, along with the tax cuts, they will be able to go out and purchase things and eat at their local Italian deli/sandwich shop. I for one can tell you that this will be great, since the job that I have really needs people to be willing to spend money. That way there will be more business, and I will be able to get my hours back, which were cut do to the economic downturn. And with more hours, I will be able to get more money and in turn, do my part to help stimulate the economy by being able to help other businesses keep busy. This will then provide more hours for their employees, who will then earn more money and be able to keep other businesses busy since they have money to spend and so on and so forth. But for all of this to happen, President Obama will need to sign the bill and distribute the money across the country and provide its people with jobs and tax cuts, so that they can eat at their local deli. ;) Cheers!
Ps:
USA 2-0 Mexico (soccer) USA! USA! USA! :D
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Was Abraham Lincoln a Racist?
“I will say, then, that I am not, nor ever have been, in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the white and black races— and I, as much as any other man, am in favor of having the superior position assigned to the white race.”
Hmmmmmmmmm...
http://www.theroot.com/views/was-lincoln-racist?GT1=38002
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
"Generational Debt"
thats what sen. Byron Dorgan and John McCain are saying, calling it "Generational Theft" i mean they swear like they themselves are not a victim of past debts, of course the whole country is in debt and there always will be a time when they are, but dagnamit we gotta spend money to make money, i mean what are we supposed to do sit and cower as a country? reduce taxes? i don't think so, lets stop with with all the competition between dems and repubs and actually decide something!!! lets at least have a direction to go in!!! and what is Dorgans plan? lets keep track of every penny spent? that would be nice and dandy except that we are not always using actual money, think of all the debts floating out their saying "we owe them money and they owe us money, honestly these IOU's are a fabrication, is that money even out their? who knows!but for petes sake lets do something productive
Monday, February 9, 2009
EBay ex-CEO Whitman plans run for California governor
Now that the budget (or lack there) of California has been severely devastated, I personally believe that the great state of California needs to focus a lot more on how it distributes its money and just every other aspect of California's budget. I feel that by replacing governor Arnold Schwarzenegger with someone who knows what (s)he's doing, it can only make things better.
I say that we give Meg Whitman a chance, I mean, we gave Schwarzenegger a chance, why not Whitman? Here's just a short list of her accomplishments
-eBay
-Disney Company
-Hasbro
-Procter and Gamble
-Bain & Company
-Attended Princeton
-MBA at Harvard
all the company names that i have listed are company's where she has held management/executive/etc. positions.
Also, to please the masses (or maybe just a certain individual), she strongly backed Mitt Romney in his presidential run.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Chapter 2 Quiz & FRQ
Bill of Rights Lecture
I've linked Chapter 2 and Bill of Rights to Blackboard for download. I'm not sure if you have to log in as well to download, but it's a source for you to use.
I will have have an FRQ that deals with the Constitution as well as some of the court cases that we have discussed in class - refer to Court Case Friday notes.
So far, it seems as if only a couple of people have blogged thus far and made comments. Remember that you are free to write on whatever topic that you wish. Do avoid making too many colloquial remarks in your blog. Write professionally. In addition, do not simply write one long paragraph. Separate your arguments into paragraphs to make your point more clearly to your reader.
That is all.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
New Law Will Require Camera Phones to "Click"
Title: To require mobile phones containing digital cameras to make a sound when a photograph is taken.
Sponsor: Rep King, Peter T. [NY-3] (introduced 1/9/2009) Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 1/9/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
SUMMARY AS OF:
1/9/2009--Introduced.
Camera Phone Predator Alert Act - Requires any mobile phone containing a digital camera to sound a tone whenever a photograph is taken with the camera's phone. Prohibits such a phone from being equipped with a means of disabling or silencing the tone. Treats the requirement as a consumer product safety standard and requires enforcement by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Article: New Law Will Require Camera Phones to "Click"If this law is passed, I honestly can't see any good coming out of it. Not only is this what I consider a violation of our privacy, its absolutely useless. If the purpose is to really stop "predators", exactly how hard will it be to stop a camera from making a "clicking" noise? Can't take more than a few minutes to find a hacked application on the web and download it. And what kind of idiot predator uses a camera phones, when you can pick up any random piece of hidden recording device from a spy shop around the corner. If this was passed, I'd imagine a scenario like this:
::Takes predatory pictures::
Cop: Are you taking predatory pictures?
Predator (fumbles with camera settings): No...
Cop: Let me see you take a picture for me.
::CLICK::
Cop: Alright, stay safe kids. And don't take drugs!
Predator: Alright.
(Cop walks away. Predator turns off the "click" and continues with his predatory pictures)
Now honestly I can't even imagine this law ever reaching competion, but still. The very thought that it's being proposed is both interesting and hilarious. Useless useless useless.
Republican vs Democratic Stimulus Package
Obama needs to make sure what he is doing is good for the country in the long run, will we be able to keep passing multi-billion dollars even though we are falling deeper into debt now? Instead of pouring money into the economy, which the Bush administration has already done, he needs to start creating jobs, like he said before. What are people going to do with the money you give them? Spend it. Then they're left with nothing again, and that's when they'll keep asking for more money. People need to earn it, that's why he needs to create jobs so they can keep earning it, instead of just receiving a check and going on vacation, then coming back to a house that has been foreclosed while they are away. However, the money that is going to the "Title 1" education can be used because education can never be stopped, once it does, once schools run out of money to employ teachers and have resources to educate kids with, then starts the decline of the country, with no future in sight, no future leaders, no future success. I believe that Obama is simply too hesistant and has overanalyzed the problem, when instead he needs to look at the bigger picture, the future, and cut back the $900 billion stimulus package. Obama says "We can't afford to wait", but can we afford to throw away much of our resources right now and hope that the economy will jump start itself? Can we not give the economy a little bit at a time and see how it responds? Why gamble $900 billion without a guarantee that our economy will recover, do we really have to gamble it away? I guess the question is, can we have our cake and eat it too? (Cake = money, but once we eat it, are we still going to have it?). Me and my team completed a C-span Student Cam documentary against this $900 billion Democratic package, and we analyzed the situation with experts, for which I form the basis of this post on, for further information please refer to http://studentcam.viddler.com/videos/watch.php?id=e6e7f861.
-Chieneezy.