Sunday, November 2, 2014

New 9 weeks! Woo hoo

LOTS of news this week with midterm elections on Tuesday! I want to see what you can find :)

29 comments:

  1. http://nytimes.com/2014/11/03/opinion/cancel-the-midterms.html
    In the article, the author writes that he supports a reform of the current midterm election system, where members of the House of Representatives are up for election every two years. The author argues that midterm elections have impeded on the President's ability to implement his agenda and force representatives to focus on constant campaign donations since they have to run again in two years. While I agree with the author's position that a two year term likely forces politicians to focus less on their job and more on campaigning, the author's suggestion of electing representatives alongside the President would push our system closer to that of Great Britain. Holding midterm elections every two years forces State Representatives to be accountable to the people they represent.

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  2. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/03/opinion/charles-blow-blacks-obama-and-the-election.html?ref=opinion

    YES!! Obama always seems to be a part of any election at any given time. Many say that the reason he won the election in 2008 was because it was a more racial stand point. And now that elections are coming up again there is no doubt he will stick his little head out again , standing behind someone that has similar ideas as him. Whether race will play a part in it again, we will just have to see after the elections. But although Obama is our president it is not like he is favored in many parts of the country so would having him on your side be a good thing or a bad thing?

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  3. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/03/opinion/a-prisoner-swap-with-cuba.html?ref=opinion

    This is another example of how certain people that get stuck in the cross fire between countries and how that person shouldn't even be there. Its like any soldier that gets taken to jail or prison and stays there for 2+ years, sacrificing their time and possibly even their lives to better their country. That's exactly what happened with Alan he was trying to help his country out and wound up imprisoned for 5 years.

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  4. i find this article very overwhelming. the fact that a man if imprisoned for trying to give the Cuban citizens more access is kind of surreal. although he shouldn't have maybe done that. he shouldnt have been trying to go against the cuban authority. knowing the consequences. i do not agree with the cubans trying to do a unequal bargain. knowing that alan and his convictions are not the same as to the cubans and their convictions of conspiracies to commit murder. but overall i think obama to tread carefully. a mans life is a steak, and also the the possiblity to establish a relationship with cuba and spread the idea of a democracy into it.

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  5. http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/02/politics/rick-santorum-religious-persecution/index.html?hpt=po_c2

    this article is basically describing the persecution on religions.it shows how the persecution in the US has much escalated and closely simulated the persecution in nazi germany with the jews. the writers explains how we just try and lower the amount of persecution. or atleast try because like certain things. this things dont go away, they will gradually grow and get out of hand. the writer believes that the reason for all this persecution in the US is to due to the goverments involvement in daily and normal issues such as the belief of abortion and same sex marriage. i agree with what the writer says because all these issues going on, you either have two options as your position as a citizen. agree, or dont agree.

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  6. http://nytimes.com/2014/11/03/opinion/charles-blow-blacks-obama-and-the-election.html
    On this article, the author writes that most polls are forecasting a midterm election in which the Republicans take the Senate, and that one of the ways the Democrats could stop this from happening would be to get southern blacks out to the polls. The fact that President Obama is black means that there is a greater likelihood that the black community would support him and the Democrats, even if they are not voting for him directly. I agree with the author that it is pivotal for the Democrats to get this demographic out to vote. As we spoke about in class, it is always more beneficial for the Democratic party to get nonvoters out to the polls, as the people who are not voting are more likely to vote liberally.

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  7. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/06/opinion/naftali-bennett-for-israel-two-state-is-no-solution.html?rref=opinion&module=ArrowsNav&contentCollection=Opinion&action=keypress&region=FixedLeft&pgtype=article

    I find this article interesting because it describes a plan to fix relations in the middle east and shows how taking one piece of land and entire countries will be at risk. If Palestinians takes what it called the west bank from Israel it will have 100% military dominance due to the fact that the entire country will be in range of rocket attacks. Although it talks about that rather grim fact it gives you a 4 step plan that can set you on the path of peace. By upgrading the infastructure and the creation of more industrial zones your create more economic stability. When people have money in there pockets they are happy.

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  8. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/07/opinion/mr-obamas-moment-on-immigration.html?rref=opinion&module=ArrowsNav&contentCollection=Opinion&action=keypress&region=FixedLeft&pgtype=article

    This article talks about how Obama has promised to improve the immigration system by the end of the year. What i can't understand is why they are still in our country. Why are we letting 11 million illegal unauthorized immigrants into our country. There are 11 million people taking jobs from natural born citizens and authorized immigrants. Unemployment is at an all time high. If you remove 11 million of the people that shouldn't be here that would go a long way in lowering that unemployment rate. Also why should 11 million outsiders that shouldn't be here be given the right to vote. We don't try to vote in other countries elections so why are they voting in ours.

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    1. I agree with this 100%. I'm confused as to hey it's been happening for so long, especially since we're letting them use our resources and giving them education and money/jobs. I hope something is done soon because it's happening more and more and millions and millions of people are getting away with it.

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    2. I agree with you guys 100% because as Andrew stated that, "There are 11 million people taking jobs from natural born citizens," That's not fair to the people that have been in the United States for so long as we have and we are trying to get jobs to support our families, pay for college, and take care of ourselves but we are giving the jobs to the people that have just arrived in the United States. They need to get out and stay out or at least wait their turn to get a job. We have first dib over them.

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  9. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/07/opinion/paul-krugman-triumph-of-the-wrong.html?ref=opinion
    To go as far as say that the Republicans are masking their true intentions is very biased and the author is clearly Democratic. However, the Republicans did mention that they would attempt to pull pieces from Obama's reforms, such as, obviously Obama care, and with McConnell saying to Kentucky that they would still be completely covered even without The Obama care is a big sign that, that is probably what the senate will now focus on. Also, the Republicans have stated their fears of the current climate change and have come up with possible policies to limit the emissions. Although, so far all that has come from this are theorists that basically state that this whole climate issue is a hoax, in order to keep actions from proceeding. So far, I don't know what to think of the future for the Republicans, but it isn't looking good.

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    1. i agree with you . I think that because the republicans are now the majority in the house , that there will be a lot more disagreements. I think it is nice of them to try and keep some of the views/ ideas from the democratic view, because honestly they can't push it to the side completely . But, i feel like a lot of changes will be coming soon , and i don't think it will look to pretty.

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    2. I agree that the authors story is very biased and he is also a Democrat. But I don't agree with you when you say it isn't looking good. People can say or fraze something to make it worse than what it really is. They're trying to make us think that we the people made the wrong choice because they're trying to make the Republicans the "bad guys." But for me personally I'm happy that they're chipping away at Obama care I think it has gotten out of control and it's hurting the economy more than it is helping it.

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  10. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/07/opinion/david-brooks-the-governing-party.html?ref=opinion
    So, for obvious reason the Republican took majority, not because they've played underdog for so long, but because they are locally involved. The citizens want representatives that not only focus on the upper crest, but care about the local government, religiously and economically. As you can see, in the article almost each new Republican in the house either worked for or had connections to a church related organization. That speaks a lot I think for the current religious status of America. Maybe we've increased our religion as a country. Also, all the representatives listed, had all worked for local companies, and that shows the loyalty to the society and proves that each and every one works to help the people around them, their city, and their local organizations and not just trying to improve the federal reforms.

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  11. http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/11/07/opinion/new-york-needs-a-stronger-school-plan.html this article is about New Yorks schooling programs and how people are taking measures to improve the schools and putting money, and time(instruction) into these schools(94 of all the schools in New York). These 94 schools are already struggling to keep their stuff together and struggling to meet requirements. Some people are wondering if it's going to be too much work with all the training of the new teachers and trying to shove all this in the kids' faces. I think it's a good thing. If the teachers are really into their jobs and really want to teach and help these kids they'll do the training and worry heir hardest to get these kids back on track. It will be a lot of work, but it'll be worth it if everyone pitches in.

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    1. I also think that these programs will be alot of work but it will be worth it in the end! These schools are really having a hard time and the kids deserve a good education so that they can suceed in life. They've already had a "minimum" education with their schools barely reaching the requirements and they should work on the programs as soon as possible. I really hope that everything works out and that they can multitask because our education is important for the future of the economy.

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  12. http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/31/opinion/omara-ferguson-grand-jury/index.html?hpt=op_bn6
    This article has nothing to do with election day but, I found an article; Did you guys know that on August 9, 2014 a fatal shooting happened? Well sadly, the death of "black teenager, Michael Brown" occurred and his death was caused by "white police officer, Darren Wilson." Anyway I have an update on this case. As of right now, Wilson has not been charged with anything because the judge doesn't know what to charge him with. That article stated that, "Certain commentators have suggested we should skip the grand jury and that Officer Darren Wilson must be tried before a jury." I think that he should not be allowed to skip the grand jury because its not fair. For example, the Trayvon Martin case, Zimmerman had to go be seen in front of a grand jury so they can say if he is guilty or not. As we know, he was charged with second-degree murder and is in jail. My point being, is this case of Micheal Brown should been handled the same way. Darren Wilson should not be allowed to skip anything when Zimmerman had to go through every step.

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  13. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/07/opinion/mr-obamas-moment-on-immigration.html?ref=opinion&_r=0
    This article is about Obamas stand on immagration. The article says "on Wednesday that he would act on his own by the end of the year to “improve” the immigration system, presumably by giving many — perhaps millions — of the country’s unauthorized immigrants temporary protection from deportation and permission to work." I think this is definitely morally correct but I don't think it will help the governement like the article argued. I have mixed feelings about this but hopefully Obama will choose the best thing for our country.

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    1. This is good to here that president Obama is planing to improve the immigration system. I believe all unauthorized immigrants should be allowed to stay in this country and make an honest living. I don't know how it will help the government, but I'm glad that atleast something is being done.

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  14. Many happen to think sand stays in one place but in reality it moves all around and travels the world. Today 75%-90% of the worlds natural beaches are slowly disappearing. This however leads to the sand and gravel companies booming with projects to refurbish the beaches before spring and summer projects millions. We need to stop taking sand for granted and look at it as a natural resource before it diminishes and all is at the bottom of the sea.

    http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/11/05/opinion/why-sand-is-disappearing.html?_r=0

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  15. On Wednesday November Fifth a driver in east Jerusalem attacked two groups of people with his vehicle. The driver is a Palestinian 38 year old man. The impact was one Israeli border police officer being killed and thirteen injuries. The motorist Al-Akri was reported to be a Hamas operative just released from prison. After the attack with his vehicle Al-Akri exited his vehicle and went on an attack on innocent bystanders with a iron bar. Soon after he was shot and killed by the Israeli police.

    http://youtu.be/uuYJbu0976M

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  16. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/08/world/middleeast/us-to-send-1500-more-troops-to-iraq.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0
    This article informs the readers about the fact that the United States is going to send an additional one thousand five hundred troops to Iraq. They are only expected however, to only train Iraqi soldiers. President Obama wants to stop this Isis situation as soon as possible. They plan a major offensive scheduled next Spring.

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    1. This is the same thing that has been going on in the middle east for years now. We go in, try to "help" them, and as soon as we pull out or think we fixed the peoblem, another violent doctator or terrorist group comes in and takes over. I also question our motive behind our involvement in the middle east. If you're just there for the oil that's fine. But just take the oil. Who cares about these countries that aren't even allies of America? It's stupid. Why would you help someone who would not do the same in our position. You really think that if America was in trouble Iraq of all people would come and help us out? I don't think so.

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  17. http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/11/07/opinion/mr-obamas-moment-on-immigration.html
    Mr. Obama's moment on immigration
    I liked this article because it related to what we talked about in class this week about Obama and immigration. This article talks about his movement to give possibly millions of immigrants temporary citizenship to work and take some of the burden off of the economy. While some people think that this is a good idea I disagree. I think we should kick them back to where they came from. They wouldn't be a burden to our economy if they didn't come here illegally in the first place.

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  18. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/08/opinion/banks-behaving-badly-again.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&_r=0

    This article is very interesting. This article explains why British banks want to press criminal charges against some banks for their foreign exchange activities, including at least one American bank. This article says that banks could have to pay up to 10 million dollars. Why would the banks do something that they know could get them in legal trouble? The article says "There is little doubt that there was wrongdoing in foreign exchange trading, where more than $5 trillion changes hands daily. There is evidence of collusion in electronic communications among traders; there are also patterns of wrongdoing by banks in the setting of benchmark rates for interest, foreign exchange and, possibly, derivative prices." I think that this is ridiculous.

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  19. http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/11/08/world/middleeast/us-to-send-1500-more-troops-to-iraq.html

    This article is about how Obama wants to send troops over seas to help train them to fight against others. They said that many people are wondering if they chose to announce this three days after the mid term elections so that it wouldn't hurt the democrats more. I think they did because they know how opinionated some people may be towards a subject such as this as sending troops over seas so they chose to be safe and not cause a commotion directly before the midterms. This was so they could be safe. Although I do think it's good they are willing to help another country to defend it self. This is so we can get then to be on our side when ever we may need them and they will return us the favor. All in all I do agree that it's a good idea to help Iran train.

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  20. http://www.rollcall.com/news/immigration_showdown_defiant_obama_tells_gop_he_will_act-237705-1.html

    This article is mainly about what Obama and the Republicans are trying to do about immigration reforms and border protection. It mainly shows Obama not agreeing in totality with the republicans on what to do. They think they should cooperate together and see what "common ground they have to set the rules for these things. Although by the looks of it the president really doesn't want to agree with them. They said that if the republicans are to block the presidents action it may lead to a government shut down. I personally think they could keep protecting the border while helping out others who want a better opportunity at life. America is the land of opportunity so it shouldn't it be a land of opportunity to everybody no matter what race. There should be some certain conditions to get said reform but it's worth it.

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  21. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/08/opinion/health-care-reform-imperiled.html?ref=opinion&_r=0

    This article has me split. On one hand, I believe everyone should be entitled to basic, equal rights. On the other, I would personally not like to pay these taxes for people I do not know. As a young, informed, citizen, I know that these taxes may benefit me in the future, but as of right not, it does not.

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  22. http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/11/08/opinion/job-growth-but-no-raises.html
    I think it's kind of wrong that the wages of the low worker hasn't gone up. The price of living has so why shouldn't their wage reflect? People have to scrap by year to year sometimes month to month and sometimes people go day by day in extreme cases. But the minimum wage won't help any worker because they're easily replaced if they try anything because they are unskilled for the most part so they won't get any type of special treatment.

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