Souleymane
Publication Name: The New York Times
Writer: Timothy Egan
Date of Publication: 17 November 2010
Finally, after a long campaign and bitter voting lines, California has a new governor; Jerry Brown. The 72 year old couldn't have chosen a worse time to run for office in this state. Governor Schwarzenegger had said, "Our wallet is empty. Our bank is closed. Our credit is dried up." The Golden State has become the France of America. In the last year, 2.2 million Californians lost their jobs. Brown will take office in the first week of January, it will be his third term as Governor. He was studying to become a priest at a Jesuit seminary when his father was Governor in 1959. As a young man, he attended Yale Law School, served two terms as Governor, ran three times for President, became mayor of Oakland and attorney general. "Old people have a lot of good ideas,"he said on the campaign trail. Jerry Brown just might fix all of our problems this term, or not, we will have to wait and see.
I have faith in the Democratic party. I'm glad we have another Democratic win and especially one with a well qualified and experienced candidate. Jerry Brown was Governor two other times and already knows the ropes.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Deforestation Slows as Brazil Chugs Toward a Goal
Name: Asuka
Posting: #2
Period: D
Topic: Science/Tech
Title: Deforestation Slows as Brazil Chugs Toward a Goal
Writer: Elisabeth Rosenthal
Publication Date: December 2, 2010
Length: 451 words
http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/02/deforestation-slows-as-brazil-chugs-toward-a-goal/?pagemode=print
President Luiz Inácio Lula de Silva in Brazil is trying to reduce greenhouse gas emission by combatting deforestation of the Amazon. He is committed to reducing it to 39 percent by 2020. It has been gradually reduced since 2000. Now, deforestation of the Amazon is dropped to 2500 miles a year which was half of what it was two years ago and third of what it was in 2000. Deforestation must be dropped for its negative impact on the environment. One reason is that it emits huge amount of carbon dioxide called black carbon when forests are burned. Another reason tropical forests are necessary is because they are one of the world’s greatest carbon sinks. Although, deforestation is taken place to make way for large scale-farming and ranching and harvesting wood, but also trees have been cut down in parts of Asia to be able to grow biofuel trees, such as palm trees, that are less harmful to the environment than the fossil fuels. The president plans to achieve this goal by using a satellite that detects illegal cutting, deep in the jungle. He also set up pioneered programs which is a system where landowners can be paid for keeping their trees standing, so they can at least reduce financial incentive for illegal logging.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Brazil is making progress with their commitment to reduce deforestation in the Amazon. They recognized the problems their country faces so environmentally harmful acts will cease. Although no major leaders are attending the climate conference in Cancún, Mexico this week, the environmental problem is an important issue that the world needs to act on.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
House, Senate Democrats: no tax cut extension over $250,000
Name: Robert
Posting: #2
Period: D
Topic: Leaders
Title: House, Senate Democrats: no tax cut extension over $250,000
Writers: Alan Silverleib, Dana Bash, Deirdre Walsh, Evan Glass, and Ted Barrett
Publication Date: December 2nd, 2010
Length: 1075 words
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/12/02/tax.vote/index.html
Posting: #2
Period: D
Topic: Leaders
Title: House, Senate Democrats: no tax cut extension over $250,000
Writers: Alan Silverleib, Dana Bash, Deirdre Walsh, Evan Glass, and Ted Barrett
Publication Date: December 2nd, 2010
Length: 1075 words
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/12/02/tax.vote/index.html
On Thursday December 2nd, there was a clash between Democrats and Republicans over the extension of Bush-era tax cuts. Earlier, the House of Representatives had passed a measure to allow the Bush-era tax cuts to expire December 31st, for incomes over $250,000. The tax cuts for lower incomes and the Alternative Minimum Tax limit would remain unscathed for 2 more years, this was supported by Democrats and staunchly opposed by Republicans. The Republican Senators decided on Monday to halt the final vote on legislative business, until Congress has “prevented the tax increase that is currently awaiting all American taxpayers.” Democrats including President Obama however argued that the tax cuts would cost $700 billion and would be irresponsible of the country. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi even accused Republicans of pushing tax breaks for the wealthy. Republicans argued back that the taxes would halt economic progression, especially in a recession. However, economic studies have shown that the demographic being targeted for tax breaks, would more often than not invest in stocks or other assets rather than invest in creating new jobs. If the measure were to pass, Democrats are attempting to force the Republicans to make concessions. These concessions would include extensions of unemployment benefits, extension of college tuition tax credits, extension of “make work pay” tax credits, and the extension of tax credits for businesses that hire unemployed workers.
In conclusion, the argument between the Democrats and Republicans is about the Bush-era tax cuts, and whether or not to extend them. This is just another example of partisan politics at it’s best, neither the Democrats nor the Republicans are currently willing to make any concessions, simply for the sake of arguing. With the economy in the state that it is currently in, the effect of losing the Bush-era tax breaks it still for the most part unknown, and it’s up to our leaders in the Senate to decide what course to send America on.
Personally, I believe that these Bush-era tax cuts for incomes over $250,000 should’ve expired long ago. People who make over $250,000 have more than enough money to support themselves and pay taxes, it’s the lower incomes of struggling families that needs to be taxed lower. On top of the logical argument, there is also the factual argument. If the people getting tax breaks aren’t going to invest in the nation’s well being, then they shouldn’t be receiving exorbitant tax breaks.
Obama Orders Pay Freeze
Name: David
Period: D
Current Event Posting #2
Topic: Leaders (national)
Title: Amid Deficit Fears, Obama Freezes Pay
Writers: Peter Baker and Jackie Calmes
Publication Name: NY Times
Date of Publication: 11-29-10
Length: 1,192 words
URL: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/30/us/politics/30freeze.html?_r=1&ref=us
President Obama announced on Monday that he is in favor of a pay freeze for federal workers for at least two years. His goal is to save government money and try to limit the national debt that is currently growing extremely fast. If the plan is adopted and kept for ten years, there is a potential for the government to save over $60 billion, although right now it is only a two year plan. Obama’s pay freeze will eliminate a 1.4 percent pay increase for 2.1 million federal workers, and there will be no pay raise in 2012. However, this plan does not affect the military wages, which will continue the same way they have been. This issue is sure to be on the agenda this week for the House and Senate, who will have a say in the matter. The issue is very controversial because the debt was over $1 trillion in the past two years. The amount of money that the government will save with Obama’s two year plan is only $5 billion, just a fraction of the national debt. Many people opposing the plan think that it will not have any significance in the long run because it is such a small proportion of the debt. However, the plan looks fairly promising because many Republicans have been supporting this pay freeze for months, and if Obama can win support of both parties it should be passed relatively soon.
In conclusion, Obama is trying to take steps to help minimize the national debt that is growing at an immense rate. This shows that although nothing has worked extremely well yet, the national debt and government spending is one of the government’s top priorities. Everyone is in favor of eliminating the debt, but some people just don’t think that Obama’s two year plan is a good way of doing it. Obama’s plan may be passed very soon if the House and Senate are in favor of it, and could take effect this year.
“Don’t Ask” Showdown Looms in Senate This Week
Name: Carly
Posting: #2
Topic: Civil Rights
Title: “Don’t Ask” Showdown Looms in Senate This Week
Writer: Mark Thompson
Publication Name: Time
Publication Date: 11/28/10
Length: 727
http://swampland.blogs.time.com/2010/11/28/dont-ask-showdown-looms-in-senate-this-week/
There has been much debate on the issue of lifting the ban of gays in the military. This week, members of the Joint Chiefs will testify before the Senate, expressing their views on the matter. The main opponent to lifting the ban is John McCain, who says that there is no current problem, and getting rid of the policy will destabilize the military. He says that openly gay men and women in the military will hurt the morale of the troops, and therefore make them a less effective fighting force. Furthermore, he claims that this is all a result of President Obama’s lack of political experience. Those who support ending “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” say that this is a civil rights issue, and would in no way affect the quality of the military. In fact, recent surveys among the troops show that the majority have no problem with serving with gays. There have been plenty of gay troops for a long time. Letting them be open about their sexual orientation should not weaken the military.
Conclusion: The debate over “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is very heated. Opponents think that ending it will hurt morale and make the military ineffective. Proponents say that any person that wants to defend their country should be able to do so with honor. The results of the Senate vote will be out around next week.
Opinion: There is absolutely no good reason for gays to be banned from the military. All the arguments to uphold the ban are based off prejudice.
Posting: #2
Topic: Civil Rights
Title: “Don’t Ask” Showdown Looms in Senate This Week
Writer: Mark Thompson
Publication Name: Time
Publication Date: 11/28/10
Length: 727
http://swampland.blogs.time.com/2010/11/28/dont-ask-showdown-looms-in-senate-this-week/
There has been much debate on the issue of lifting the ban of gays in the military. This week, members of the Joint Chiefs will testify before the Senate, expressing their views on the matter. The main opponent to lifting the ban is John McCain, who says that there is no current problem, and getting rid of the policy will destabilize the military. He says that openly gay men and women in the military will hurt the morale of the troops, and therefore make them a less effective fighting force. Furthermore, he claims that this is all a result of President Obama’s lack of political experience. Those who support ending “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” say that this is a civil rights issue, and would in no way affect the quality of the military. In fact, recent surveys among the troops show that the majority have no problem with serving with gays. There have been plenty of gay troops for a long time. Letting them be open about their sexual orientation should not weaken the military.
Conclusion: The debate over “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is very heated. Opponents think that ending it will hurt morale and make the military ineffective. Proponents say that any person that wants to defend their country should be able to do so with honor. The results of the Senate vote will be out around next week.
Opinion: There is absolutely no good reason for gays to be banned from the military. All the arguments to uphold the ban are based off prejudice.
Diabetes or Prediabetes Predicted for Half of Americans by 2020
Name: Carly
Posting: #2
Topic: Health
Title: Diabetes or Prediabetes Predicted for Half of Americans by 2020
Writer: Val Willingham
Publication Name: CNN
Publication Date: 11/23/10
Length: 472
http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/23/diabetes-or-prediabetes-predicted-for-half-of-americans-by-2020/
There are currently about 26 million people in the US with diabetes, costing the government an estimated $194 per year in medical costs. But this problem is only going to get worse. A new report estimates that at this current rate, half of the US population will have it by 2020. This will cost a whopping $3.35 trillion. This should not be surprising, considering that diabetes is the fasting growing disease in America. This growth is due to many factors- firstly, the increase of obesity. Also, the growing population of seniors greatly shifts the numbers. And since there are now better treatments for diabetes, people are living longer. In order to combat this massive issue, health care officials are urging Americans to take better care of themselves. There is also an increased outcry to health care reform.
Conclusion: The amount of people in the US with diabetes is quickly becoming overwhelming. We need to change our health care to better suit this issue, and educate people to prevent the problem from growing.
Posting: #2
Topic: Health
Title: Diabetes or Prediabetes Predicted for Half of Americans by 2020
Writer: Val Willingham
Publication Name: CNN
Publication Date: 11/23/10
Length: 472
http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/23/diabetes-or-prediabetes-predicted-for-half-of-americans-by-2020/
There are currently about 26 million people in the US with diabetes, costing the government an estimated $194 per year in medical costs. But this problem is only going to get worse. A new report estimates that at this current rate, half of the US population will have it by 2020. This will cost a whopping $3.35 trillion. This should not be surprising, considering that diabetes is the fasting growing disease in America. This growth is due to many factors- firstly, the increase of obesity. Also, the growing population of seniors greatly shifts the numbers. And since there are now better treatments for diabetes, people are living longer. In order to combat this massive issue, health care officials are urging Americans to take better care of themselves. There is also an increased outcry to health care reform.
Conclusion: The amount of people in the US with diabetes is quickly becoming overwhelming. We need to change our health care to better suit this issue, and educate people to prevent the problem from growing.
Held as Slaves, Now Free
Name:Emily
Posting #2
Period: D
Topic: Civil Rights
Title: Held as Slaves, Now Free
Author: Scott Bronstein, Amber Lyon and Alexandra Poolos
Publication Name: CNN
Publication Date: December 2, 2010
Word Count: 407
URL: http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/12/02/slave.labor.ring.busted/index.html
Summary:
It is shocking to believe that human trafficking still exists, even in the year 2010. Young women, now around the age of 19, were only recently freed from being slaves. They were brought from their home country and their families to the Newark area, which is ironically just under the shadow of the Statue of Liberty. They were promised a good education, but when they arrived, they were told that they were not going to school. Instead, they were forced to work in hair braiding shops. They were around the ages of 12 to 15 when they first began working. They often worked for 12 straight hours, weaving braids into the hair of free teenagers. One of them said, “I wished I could go with them. Most of the time, I’d end up just breaking down later crying… I just couldn’t understand why my life has to be this way…” They would also not get enough sleep. Some days they would be braiding hair until 2 in the morning if the customer wanted really small braids. Other days, they would not have enough food to eat. Even though they were in plain sight, they were under the eyes of their captors. They often said that it was like being trapped in a cage, and always being forced to behave. They would work seven days a week, and the people whose hair were being braided never knew that the people braiding their hair were slaves. Unfortunately, human trafficking continues widely today in the United States, but it goes on undetected. The girls would often lie about their ages to the customers, and had to say that they were 18 because their captors told them that. They sometimes wished that one of their customers would help them and go to the police. Now that they are free, they can attend high school, and one of them has been accepted into college. They have not been able to go home to visit their families , but they want to raise awareness about human trafficking.
Conclusion:
I think it is shocking and disgusting that slavery still exists in the world. What is even more alarming is that human trafficking also exists in the United States. I think the government should do something because there is too much undetected human trafficking going on and it is incredibly illegal. It strips people of their right to liberty and should not be tolerated.
Posting #2
Period: D
Topic: Civil Rights
Title: Held as Slaves, Now Free
Author: Scott Bronstein, Amber Lyon and Alexandra Poolos
Publication Name: CNN
Publication Date: December 2, 2010
Word Count: 407
URL: http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/12/02/slave.labor.ring.busted/index.html
Summary:
It is shocking to believe that human trafficking still exists, even in the year 2010. Young women, now around the age of 19, were only recently freed from being slaves. They were brought from their home country and their families to the Newark area, which is ironically just under the shadow of the Statue of Liberty. They were promised a good education, but when they arrived, they were told that they were not going to school. Instead, they were forced to work in hair braiding shops. They were around the ages of 12 to 15 when they first began working. They often worked for 12 straight hours, weaving braids into the hair of free teenagers. One of them said, “I wished I could go with them. Most of the time, I’d end up just breaking down later crying… I just couldn’t understand why my life has to be this way…” They would also not get enough sleep. Some days they would be braiding hair until 2 in the morning if the customer wanted really small braids. Other days, they would not have enough food to eat. Even though they were in plain sight, they were under the eyes of their captors. They often said that it was like being trapped in a cage, and always being forced to behave. They would work seven days a week, and the people whose hair were being braided never knew that the people braiding their hair were slaves. Unfortunately, human trafficking continues widely today in the United States, but it goes on undetected. The girls would often lie about their ages to the customers, and had to say that they were 18 because their captors told them that. They sometimes wished that one of their customers would help them and go to the police. Now that they are free, they can attend high school, and one of them has been accepted into college. They have not been able to go home to visit their families , but they want to raise awareness about human trafficking.
Conclusion:
I think it is shocking and disgusting that slavery still exists in the world. What is even more alarming is that human trafficking also exists in the United States. I think the government should do something because there is too much undetected human trafficking going on and it is incredibly illegal. It strips people of their right to liberty and should not be tolerated.
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