Thursday, July 5, 2007
Law against Drunk Boating
The law is important to be enforced because this issue is crucial to the safety of the citiznes. The number of accidents boating accidents have caused has incrased so dramatically. Even though it is argued that the sun and the water doesn't impair a drunken person's driving ability on a boat, the instability caused from alcohol impairs one's ability to function correctly and practice safe boat driving skills.
Arizona Governor Signs Law Making It Crime to Hire Illegals
I disagree with this bill. This would put an enormous dent into our economy. While a good bill ideally, there is no possible way this bill can be put into effect so late into the immigration splurge. Too many illegal immigrants are here that to close all businesses because they've hired just a single illegal immigrant would mean massive numbers of our businesses would close; many of our farms would close. At the very least, public service businesses should be made exceptions to this bill, especially hospitals. This bill is a horrible attempt to curb illegal immigration. Instead of stopping the flow, it will destroy our nation from the inside.
the link for the below blog
I also chose this article because I really do care for these animals. I also believe that we can find a way to help these animals instead of killing them.
Tancredo rides high on immigration
Tom Tancredo, a senator from Colorado, proposed a bill that was collasped. The bill states that illegal immigrants should all be sent back and there should be stronger enforcement to prevent illegal immigrants from keep crossing the lines. To be more specific, the bill asked for stronger fence along the borders with Canada and Mexico, asked for hitting employers with massive fines for those who accept illegal immigrants into their workplace. Also, the bill wants to bring criminal charges to mayors and council members who prevent the employees from encountering the federal immigrant agencies.
I agree with Tancredo that there should be stronger enforcement that deals with the illegal immigration. The fences that exist now between Mexico and the U.S. is designed so that the illegal iimigrants could climb it and acome over to the U.S. easily. It is true that the illegal immigrants are a big factor to the American economy, but I believe we could find a solution to this not doing illegal acts. An example would be to mitigate the procedures required to come to the U.S., so that there would be a lot of legal immigrants who will supersede the jobs that illegal immigrants were doing.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Finding a Solution to not kill the Abandoned Animals
In my opinion, I feel that it is cruel to neuter and spay these poor animals. Yes, it is difficult to find homes for them and more and more animals are pouring into these shelters. Yes, the animals may be in horrible conditions. But still, there should be no need of animals being slaughtered because it is not a reasonable solution.They should not pass this law, and pet rescuers and L.A. city officials should continue to discuss ways toward a 'no-kill' policy. Yes, it won't be easy but think about all the animals we can save today!
Illegal Immigrants Targeted By States
I think what they are doing is the right thing. Illegal immigrants are really hurting our economy. They are taking away job opportunities for actual US citizens and getting paid a lot less. Hopefully all this will help improve our country's economy and catch all the illegal immigrants.
English Responds to Failure of Senate Immigration Bill
On June 28, 2007, the Senate failed to collect enough votes to advance immigration legislation (S. 1639). This immigration bill would grant legal status to 12 million illegal immigrants in the US. There are many reasons why this bill should be passed. But there are also many reasons why it shouldn't be passed. American illegal immigrants are one of the key factors to American economy. However, some argue that with the legal status they will be granted with this bill, they will take away jobs from a large number of current Americans. Giving support to the Senate's decision, U.S. Rep. Phil English said, "The architecture of the Senate’s immigration bill was flawed from the very beginning. Today’s Senate vote reflects the strong sentiment of Americans across the country who will not support an immigration plan that encourages amnesty and embraces a guest worker program that would take jobs away from willing American workers."
Personally, I do not agree with the Senate's decision. The US is a country made up of immigrants. This country was started by the immigrants, built up by immigrants, and it is thriving because of the immigrants. Without them, our economy will stop flourishing shortly.
Iraq oil legislation advances
The legislation is the less controversial of two measures covering Iraq's oil wealth. The second measure would set up the mechanism for ensuring that oil profits are distributed properly. It still requires passage by the Cabinet, which is expected to consider it this week, government spokesman Ali Dabbagh said.
The reform of Iraq's oil industry is considered the most important of several benchmarks that Washington says are crucial to proving that Iraqi politicians can overcome religious and sectarian divisions to pass laws beneficial to all Iraqis. With the parliament due to begin its monthlong recess at the end of this month and U.S. officials scheduled to present an Iraq progress report to Congress in September, time is running short for the measure to become law.
I think that if the U.S. Legislation manages the Iraq oil industry would intense tension between the U.S and Iraq. Though this would greatly help the U.S. economy I believe this would fuel many more terrorist attacks and will cause the war to last much longer
Lawmakers fail to pass state budget
At a standstill since Friday June 29, the Republican and Democratic parties in California have been unable to pass the state budget bill. They are unsure as how to deal with cuts in public transportation and social services, as well as the problem of the state's debt repayment. Although lawmakers have approved a $140 billion budget, the Republicans are ardently fighting the approvement of the budget because they say it is $2 billion over what they would like to see Califronia spend. The Democrats have compromised by cutting $1 billion without raising taxes or creating new social programs. However, the Republicans have increased their voices and Governor Schwarzenegger is contemplating cutting $1.3 billion from public transit to meet the Republican's demands. The chairman of the budget subcommittee has proposed using funds from Proposition 42 to fund public transits and use less money for freeways and local governments; the Republicans are also against this. If the budget is not completed soon and persists into the end of July, California will be unable to meet its financial obligations. This might affect elected officials' salaries, payments to vendors and contractors, payments to school districts, and some payments to community colleges.
I chose this article because it affects us directly. This article clearly shows an inability to compromise. The Republicans are unwilling to support the bill if the Democrats do not find a way to cut $2 billion from the budget. Despite their efforts, the Democrats were not able to fix the situation and California has failed to meet the deadline. The failure of the state to meet the constitutional deadline harms our school district because we will not receive our funds. Our school is cutting costs as it is and our classroom sizes are bulging beyond the maximum allocated number for students, which I presume is 28 for our school. (The range is from 25-30.) I think that the Republicans need to figure out a way to cut costs since they are the ones unwilling to pass the bill, instead of waiting on the Democrats to find a solution. However, I can't formulate a solution myself. I realize how hard it is to pass a bill and I pity the poor politicians who must.
Virginia, the home of the $3,000 traffic ticket
I personally disagree with Virginia's strategy to raise money for its road projects. I feel that these new laws will undoubtedly create many financial problems for many of its citizens, which would be going against the purpose that a state government is supposed to serve. A state government is supposed to be a local authority that can make laws to ensure the best interests of its citizens in its specific region. And these laws will do nothing to help the people living in Virginia. I feel that Virginia should find a better way to fund its services.
U.S. Judges Back Assisted Suicide
Although, the law might violate the majority of the people's ethics, if one is suffering in so much pain that it is undurable and plus - when one knows that they have no chance of recovering but just suffer under those painful, cruel, vain circumtances of illness, I believe they should have the right to decide for their own death. Yes, it might violate our moral values, yet just letting those patients suffer such pain is immoral and inhumane. Doctors should be able to help the patients out by letting them go. In this case, its helping the patients from servere pain. However, under certain limits, this law should be performed and it should be passed in other states as well.
Senate passes "No Child Left Behind"
On December 18, 2001, the Senate had approved the bill called "No Child Left Behind" in an 87 to 10 approval. Having passed the House of Representatives the previous week, the bill is now waiting for President Bush to sign it. Fortunately, the President has full intention in passing it, in order to follow his course for school reform. The bill grants $26.5 billion for education and demands state tests for students in the third to eighth grade to measure each school’s accountability. The bill’s aim is to integrate a wealthy student’s education with a poor student’s and the education of whites with minorities. Though critics say that this bill may fail in drawing the potential of a student’s academic performance, our schools are in need of attention and this bill fits perfectly. Just as Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Kentucky says, "…there's no doubt that the legislation represents a definite improvement over current law."
I believe that President Bush is on the right path by intending to pass “No Child Left Behind”, however, the bill may be a bit naïve. The bill almost ensures development, but rarely those a child do something without any motivation. Knowing that a test is not for them, but a test for the school, the student’s determination to pass immediately disappears and therefore may have no effect. But having these proficiency tests are better than nothing and therefore it becomes essential. “No Child Left Behind’s” effort to test the schools is the perfect idea, as schools establish the basics and fundamentals children need in the future. Already looking for the future, passing this bill shows a great deal of promise and almost guarantees success.
Laws Passed Requiring Flags to Be Made in U.S.A.
I don't really see a difference if it is made in the United States or a foreign country. I feel that it is the meaning behind the flag that counts and not its origin. It can also hurt other countries' economy and would be disrespectful. "The U.S. government can't treat foreign products less favorably than those produced within its boundaries" said Peter Morici.
On the other hand, people say that American people should make American flags and not be degraded by low quality flags made elsewhere."That flag should be made throughout the world because it is our message to the world that there is hope for freedom and justice," Republican Rep. Dan Severson said at the time.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Lawmaker Aims To Block Any Change To Talk Radio Rules
I chose this article because it was interesting that there was such a regulation regarding radio broadcasts. I think the Fairness Doctrine should be revisited because I feel that it is unfair for one side to straightly state their views and benefits through the radio without sharing the beliefs of the other group. I certainly agree with the opinion that giving equal amount of points will offer more intellectual decisions for the listeners regarding the topic. This might change the listeners’ ideas of what might be right.
Scarlet Letters for Predators in Ohio
The reason I chose this bill was because it seems so wrong for this type of bill to actually become a law. If this bill were to become a law it would probably ruin many people's reputation by being labeled as a sex offender. The sex offenders will face possible discrimination and constantly be judged for their wrong doing. I know sex offenders have committed crimes, but I feel like they deserve a little privacy. What about the other people who have commited crimes and maybe even murdered someone? These people aren't dangerous but sex offenders are? Sometimes there are special license plates to signify that you are part of the government but this label does not necessarily come with the negativity. Having something negative on your license plate seems almost as bad as being labeled "Sex Offender" across your forehead.
New York City Passes Trans Fat Ban
I chose this article because I have considered maybe opening a restaurant in the future. This article interests me by bringing up the debate on whether it is your choice to decide to eat food that clogs your arteries at restaurants, or if its the government's choice to enforce this as a law to attempt to better your health. Imagine if this was a law for restaurants in South Pasadena. I understand that the law is trying to help people by causing the restaurants to use substitutes that aren't as dangerous to one's health. However, restaurants want to make profit and I honestly don't think they are very concerned with their consumers health. They may find substitutes, but these substitutes may be even worse that the trans fats.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16051436/
South Dakota House OKs Bill to Ban Nearly All Abortions
I chose this article simply by finding it first regarding the topic given. I’m interested in this topic because I understand the beliefs from both sides. I understand that “innocent blood should not be shed.” However, I feel that if a woman was raped with complete innocence, it is extremely unfair for her to carry numerous burdens that follow for the rest of her life.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Lawmakers fail to pass state budget
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_6267423
I believe that the lawmakers should have passed this budget. It seems to me that this budget is a good idea because it will limit the careless spending of our state's money and it is still doing good to our state by restoring welfare funding for children, elderly, blind and disabled.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Theme for this week: 7/2 - 7/6
However, the rules are changing just a little. From this point forward, you may not use an article that has been used by another student. You may not use an article that deals with the same issue/story as another student. I want to see a variety of ideas this week.
Also, because of the day off in the middle of the week, you need to have articles and comments done by 5pm on Thursday. You can take Wednesday off more or less.
Finally, please look again at my sample article to make sure that you are doing the blog correctly. You may lose points for not following directions.
See you in class.
Here's something fun to watch if you want: