Political Cartoon #5 Week of 1/9

1. How does this relate to what we discussed in class? What is pork?

2. Do you think Santorum is the only candidate to say things to please lobbyists?

3. How do lobbyists connect to pork?

4. What is this cartoon saying about Santorum? Do you think the author supports him?

Issue of the Week 1/5- Child Support Answers

 Who monitors child support?
      In each case, there is a judge who monitors child support payments. Behind the judge, there are also boards and commissions. 

How are the guidelines for each individual situation decided upon?
       "The guideline shall be based upon the reasonable needs of the child or spouse seeking support and the ability of the obligor to provide support. In determining the reasonable needs of the child or spouse seeking support and the ability of the obligor to provide support, the guideline shall place primary emphasis on the net incomes and earning capacities of the parties, with allowable deviations for unusual needs, extraordinary expenses and other factors, such as the parties' assets, as warrant special attention. The guideline so developed shall be reviewed at least once every four years."
 https://www.humanservices.state.pa.us/csws/csws_controller.aspx?CFQZuOwqTCFJrdJHguYPACAvDB04eOyBobXqDZrB0EL_sJx2lzb0Acb7nTug9eBeL7m774ew_fFvMXsCv_Vld2zZImt1Kh8ZmpSMmuXbqYAqSCP17Z7l\

What is child support like in other countries?
       Every member of the United Nations has child support laws similar to ours based off of the 1992 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
http://www.dcya.gov.ie/viewdoc.asp?fn=%2Fdocuments%2FUNrightsofchild%2FUN_Rights_of_Child_new_page_141008.htm

Can there ever be a change of circumstances?
      Yes, so very four years the situation is reassessed by the judge. 
 https://www.humanservices.state.pa.us/csws/csws_controller.aspx?CFQZuOwqTCFJrdJHguYPACAvDB04eOyBobXqDZrB0EL_sJx2lzb0Acb7nTug9eBeL7m774ew_fFvMXsCv_Vld2zZImt1Kh8ZmpSMmuXbqYAqSCP17Z7l\

What if a parent does not pay their child support? Are there any consequences?
      If a parent does not pay, child support offices enforce the following consequenes:

• Driver's license suspension
• Credit bureau reporting
• Occupational license suspension
• Passport denial
• Tax refund intercept
• contempt of court

http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Family-Law/Minnesota/what-happens-when-a-parent-doesnt-pay-child-s.html

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Left, Right, Center- Third Parties

10-12 facts, details, opinions, and questions

1. What would be the benefits of a third political party?
2. The majority of Americans do not feel they relate to either the Democrats or the Republicans. 
3. Our two political parties seem to be controlled by business and public finance. 
4. If the third party is owned by billionaires, then we really aren't getting anything new.
5. What kind of party would be formed?
6. Political parties tend to break down.
7. Americans feel the economic crisis is not being taken seriously by either of the two parties, which is why a third voice might be necessary. 
8. What is the role of class in all of this?
9. 58% of Americans oppose War in Afghanistan.
10. 50%-60% support public healthcare. 
11. Most Democrats fear that a third political party would be a disadvantage for their party and for Obama in the 2012 election.
12. The only way to have a stable democracy is to move people out of poverty into the middle class. 
13. Why do we need to define ourselves by political parties?

Political Party Research: Refrom Party

Reform Party: facts and details learned

1. They want to pass laws with significant penalties, not rules.
2. They want to eliminate the practice of keeping some programs off-budget.
3. They want to give the President Line Item Veto.
4. They want to stop government from raiding public trust funds.
5. The Reform Party supports fiscal responsibility and accountability.
6. The Reform Party supports fair taxation policies without prejudice or special interest exceptions.
7. The Reform Party supports affordable and accessible healthcare based on informed decisions between doctor and patient.
8. The Reform Party supports safeguarding our nation’s natural resources balanced with the need for economic development.
9. The Reform Party takes NO STANCE as an organization on issues such as pro-life/pro-choice and gay marriage.
10.  Each state is part of a Region, which has its own representative on the Reform Party Executive Committee.
11. Andre Nigel Barnett is a member of the Reform party who is running in the 2012 Presidential election.
12. The Reform Party supports energy independence from foreign sources.
13. The Reform Party supports policies and programs that best guarantee the security of our national borders, the safety of our citizens and the economic interests of our country.
14. The Reform Party supports equal access to and accountability for education.
15. Congress should not get free meals and unfair access to luxaries.

20 Truths About American Political System

Truths about our political system and whether they appear to be positive, negative, or neutral aspects.

1. The US Constitution, which lays the foundation for our country, appears to be a very stable document. (+)
2. We use a separation of powers system. (+)
3. Presidents are not elected directly by voters, but by the Electoral College. (-)
4. Each chamber of Congress has certain exclusive powers. (+)
5. Each of the nine Supreme Court Justices carries an equal weight. (+)
6. Members of Congress are less constrained by party affiliation and freer to act individually. (+)
7. In the US, religion is a factor in politics in a way unique in western democracies. (-)
8. Most incumbents win re-election. (0)
9. Popular sovereignty- the source of governmental power lies with the people. So, people are able to dissolve the government if they feel it is not representing them fairly. (+)
10. The government must follow its own laws and it can only act using powers given to it by the people. (+)
11. The government is increasingly responsive to special interest groups, not the public interest. (-)
12. Citizens have the responsibility to understand and support the government, participate in elections, pay taxes, and perform military service. (+)
13. American government is free from any official religious affiliation. (+)
14. There are state and local governments. (+)
15. Freedom of speech (+)
16.  Third parties have less political influence in the United States than in other developed country democracies. (0)
17. The federal government has been created by the states. (+)
18.  Americans vote for a specific candidate instead of directly selecting a particular political party. (+)
19. Supreme court cannot initiate a bill or law. (0)
20. Media plays a huge role in politics. It is sometimes considered the fourth branch of government. (0)

Political Cartoon #4 Week of 1/3

1. How do you think the author feels about the Iowa Caucus?

2. Does this cartoon take an optimistic, pessimistic, or seemingly neutral view of the presidential campaign process?

3. Do you think there is a better way to go about selecting presidential candidates?

Issue of the Week 1/5- Child Support

Questions and thoughts on the issue of child support:

1.  Who monitors child support?
2. How are the guidelines for each individual situation decided upon?
3. What is child support like in other countries?
4. Can there ever be a change of circumstances?
5. What if a parent does not pay their child support? Are there any consequences?

Constituent Letter

To Greg Vitali:  
  My name is Abby M. and I am a student at Haverford High School. My peers and I will be the next generation to begin voting and leading this country, which is why I strongly believe it is important for us to start voicing our opinions now. I would love for you to really consider what I am going to say in this letter and hopefully, you will see the benefit of the  H.R. 2359: Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011.
     The cosmetic industry in our country is hardly struggling; in fact, it is worth nearly $50 billion. As such a large industry, it seems to me that there should be more federal regulations on what companies produce, how they produce it, and what exactly goes into developing the product. As it is, the cosmetic industry is essentially self-regulated.
     Although there are certain guidelines companies must follow, there are definitely loop holes that, while may lead to more revenue for the company, endanger millions of consumers. For example, companies are still able to use chemicals in their products that have been directly linked to cancer. These same chemicals are actually used in a number of baby shampoos! In addition, we are also subjected to hormone disrupters in our fragrances and lead poison in our lipsticks.
    Under our current law, the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act of 1938, the FDA can not even require companies to conduct safety tests or require product recalls if something is found to be dangerous later on. As we enter 2012, it seems that a law made 74 years ago is likely to be outdated when pertaining to such a fast-paced and growing industry.
     In a society where we are so concerned with using cosmetics, it is difficult to simply spread awareness about the contents of many of these products; people will tend to use these items regardless simply because they do not understand the risk. Because of this and the impending health threat, I believe there are simple changes Congress can make in terms of what cosmetic companies can produce.
    That being said, I am asking you as a constituent to please vote in favor of the H.R. 2359: Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011. This law would close up numerous holes by reducing the number of toxins in everyday products such as shampoos, soaps, and moisturizers. Ingredients that have been linked to birth-defects and cancer will officially be banned from products and labeling loopholes will be eliminated so that consumers will understand exactly what they are purchasing. By not only allowing but actually enforcing data sharing among companies, animal testing will be significantly reduced because tests will not have to be repeated.
     The dangers of the cosmetic industry affect all of us- men, women, and children of all ages. Please consider co-sponsering the H.R. 2359: Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011 and help keep Americans safe. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this letter.

Pending Bills Continued and Constituent Letter Choice

S. 174: Healthy Lifestyles and Prevention America Act
- A bill to improve the health of Americans and reduce health care costs by reorienting the Nation's health care system toward prevention, wellness, and health promotion.
status: Referred to Committee.
*Selected by Emily F.


S:1108: 10 Million Dollar Solar Roofs Act of 2011
facts/details:
-The bill directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program that provides competitive grants to local communities.
*Selected by Michael K.


 S. 977: A bill to fight criminal gangs
*Selected by Sondra G.


Bills I looked at:
S. 1458: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012
H.R. 3359: Traveling Exotic Animal Protection Act
 H.R. 2359: Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011
*I have chosen  H.R. 2359: Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011 as the basis of my constituent letter.

Political Cartoon Week of 12/12

Do you think the author feels optimistic about the presidential candidates?

Who are the people represented in the cartoon?

What is the main message of the cartoon?

Terry Gross Interview

Interpreting The Constitution In The Digital Era

Facts/Details

1.  None of the existing amendments give clear answers to the most basic questions we're having today.
2. Ginsburg said we do have an expectation of privacy in the whole of our movements, and therefore when the police are going to engage in long-term surveillance, they should have a warrant.
3. Because a lesser invasion was unreasonable at the time of the framing, Brandeis said the court should translate the Constitution and recognize that you don't need a physical trespass to create an unreasonable search.
4. We can't rely simply on judges enforcing the existing Constitution to protect the values that the Framers took for granted.
5.  There's a bill pending in Congress right now that is a bipartisan geolocational privacy bill.
6. In the US, there is no expectation of privacy on the street.
7. We can be permanently tarred for one mistake we made on the Internet. 
8. The French data privacy commissioner has said that there should be a legal right to escape your past on the Internet. He calls it the droit a l'oubli, the right to oblivion.
9. We regulate private-sector data gathering much less vigorously than Europe does because we don't have a tradition in America of protecting a right to dignity.
10. Google has been under a lot of pressure - in particular from Senator Joseph Lieberman - to remove terrorist videos on the Internet.

Questions

1. How do you draw the line between surveillance and real-time view of public space?
2. Does America's view of privacy differ from those of European countries?
3. What is protected when you put something on the internet?
4. In the US, do we have an equivalent to the European privacy commission?
5. Should government do more to regulate what goes on the Internet, or does this violate our right to free speech? 

Should The Electoral College Be Abolished?

Facts/Details

1. The electoral college is not a college and never meets as a single entity, but it greatly influences the character of the parties, the nominating process, and the outcome of an election.
2. The existence of the electoral college usually undermines third parties, which are unlikely to win electoral votes.
3. Not only does the Electoral College triple the political clout of voters in the seven least populous states that elect just one member of the House, it doubles the clout of those in six other states that elect two members of the House.
4. George W. Bush was the first Southern conservative since before the Civil War.
5. Gore proposed that regardless of the outcome in the Electoral College, he and Bush should abide by the popular vote. 
6. The electoral college meets every four years.
7. Change that takes place in accordance with Article V is licensed change whereas real change means a departure from any such arrangement. 
8. The law cannot prevent a candidate from voluntarily withdrawing from the race.
9. Gore believed that the Electoral College favored small of large states, whites over blacks and Hispanics, and farmers and ranchers over subway riders and commuters in crowded urban and suburban districts. 
10. Ten states as of the year 2000 account for 54% of the US population. 

Questions

1. Why did we decide to use the Electoral College in the first place rather than using only the popular vote?
2. How are electors chosen?
3. When was the Electoral College established?
4. Would it be legal for both candidates to ignore the Electoral College and decide to follow the popular vote?
5. Must electors vote for the candidate who won their state's popular vote?

National Debt Answers

National Debt Q & A

1. Which other countries are experiencing national debt the way the US is?
     One other country that is experiencing difficult economic times is Greece. Due to uncontrolled government spending, Greece has suffered its most severe debt crisis since becoming a democracy. The government was able to spend beyond its means, leadings to anger among Greek citizens.
http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/266284/20111213/deal-greek-debt-swap-talks-source.htm


2. What's the difference between debt and deficit?
     The national debt is the net accumulated borrowing by the federal government. Essentially, it is the difference between all of the money we as a nation have ever spent and the total revenue we have made.

     The annual federal budget deficit is the amount that our federal government borrows each year. So, it is the difference between what the government spends and what it makes in revenue in one year. Each year the deficit is added to the existing debt.
http://www.treasurydirect.gov/govt/resources/faq/faq_publicdebt.htm


3. What are some ways to reduce national debt?

•  Curb government expenditures. 
• Increase taxes.
• Increase the labor force.
• Cut the current deficit.
• Decrease logrolling.
• Raise taxes on the wealthy and on big businesses.

New York Times Budget Puzzle

How much did you save?
In 2015, I saved 400 billion.
In 2030, I saved 714 billion.

What % came from tax increases?
45% of the savings came from tax increases.


What % came from spending cuts?
55% of the savings came from spending cuts.

I had a hard time deciding where to cut spending in areas such as medicare and social security. I decided against raising the retirement and social security age. The easiest decisions for me by far were the military cuts. I cut funding for weapons, cut troop sizes, and chose to pull most troops out of the Middle East by 2015.
Although the decisions made in terms of social security, health care, and medicare will undoubtedly earn me votes from the Democrats, these choices combined with the military decisions will probably lose me Republican votes.

President Research- Carter

Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States

http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/jimmycarter

http://www.cartercenter.org/news/experts/jimmy_carter.html

http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2002/carter-bio.html

http://millercenter.org/president/carter

http://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/documents/jec/chron.phtml

Lessons to be learned from Carter's experiences as President:

1. Is it important to remove racial barriers when trying to unite a group of people.
2. We must work towards the advancement of human rights.
3. After  President's time in office is up, he or she should still continue working for change in some way, therefore leaving a legacy behind and giving the presidency a good name.
4. It is hard to govern as an outsider (he was a peanut farmer from Georgia- did not fit the stereotype).
5. A President must make compromises in order to get things moving in Washington.
6. Carter often disdained the news media, which became a major disadvantage for him. A President should respect and work with the media.

Electoral College Reform

Facts/Details

1. Electors can vote for a candidate who is not in their same political party.
2. The winner of the popular vote is not necessarily the overall winner (for example, Gore v. Bush)
3.  Republicans often win more states overall, but Democrats often win more big states.
4. Electoral college defenders argue that without the electoral college, candidates will spend all their time trying to rack up big victories in big cities with big media, ignoring the rest of the voters.
5. Historically, the electoral college leader has also tended to be the popular vote leader.
6. The electoral college makes it easier to represent minorities and enhance their involvement.
7. The electoral college encourages a two party system.
8. The electoral college is a system set up by the framers of the Constitution in Article 2, Section 1, and then altered by the 12th Amendment.
9.  The electoral college avoids the possibility of a recount of the entire nation.
11. Some of the larger states leaning in one direction could completely over power a large portion of the country.  The electoral college provides some balance to this.

Questions:

1. Would the outcome of a presidential election likely to be different if we voted by a general population vote rather than an electoral college vote?
2. What proposals have been made to change the Electoral College system?
3. How are electors selected?
4. Where/when does the electoral college meet?
5. How many times have we had a president who did not win the popular, but still won the electoral college?

Campaign Ad Analysis

Techniques used in the ads:

• Celebrities: http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1980/pres-ford

         Ford speaks out on behalf of Reagan. Although Reagan did win the election, I'm not sure if this ad contributed much to his success because Ford lost the previous election, so he may not have been the most credible source.

• Relating to the "simple folks" or average person: http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1992/milwaukee

       In this, we hear from a handful of average citizens talking about their problems and how Clinton will be able to help them out. Hearing from everyday, normal people probably proved to be effective.

• Positivity: http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1992/we-can-do-it

         Clinton said, "I won't you to believe we can do it." These are the things people want to hear; they want a convincing voice telling them that they can make things better for them. This was most likely very effective. 

• Scare Tactics: http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1980/podium

          This ad uses startling facts about the nation's downfalls in economy, housing, and employment to scare people from voting for Carter. I think this ad was effective because it made people blame Carter and fear what would happen if he served a second term.

• Humor: http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1952/ike-for-president 

              I think this technique was effective because it was catchy and cute, which probably caught people's attention. Also, kids probably liked it, making it  common household conversation. 

• Cardstacking: http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1964/accomplishments

               Johnson talks about all of the good things he has done and plans to do, but nothing that he has done bad. This ad probably was effective because it highlights so many successes.

Assertions on campaign ads:

1. Overall, advertising does little to inform and very little to change a person's opinion. 
2. More advertising does not produce a "better" democratic result.
3. Research suggests that the presidential candidate who can raise and spend the most money does tend to do better in the polls. 
4. Advertising is a paid propaganda that distorts the democratic process.

Political Cartoon Week of 12/5

1. Do you think the author is more liberal or conservative, and why?

2. What do you think is the purpose of this cartoon?

3. Are there any symbols in this cartoon? If so, what are they and what do they represent?

Death Penalty Answers

 1. On average, how long are inmates held on death row before they are put to death? 

           Prisoners often stay on death row for years before their execution. In fact, most deaths on death row are actually from natural causes because of the long wait. 

 2.  Is it more expensive to imprison someone or punish them them with the death penalty?
         Life imprisonment is usually cheaper because of the appeals process of sending an inmate to death row.    According to Amnesty International, death row is more expensive. 
 3. How many states have banned the death penalty, and how many states still have it?

      Sixteen US states (plus DC) have banned the death penalty. Pennsylvania is not one of these states, although it is very rare that someone is put to death in PA. 

Pending Bills

1.   S. 1458: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012: Bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2012 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.
      Status: This bill was considered in committee which has recommended it be considered by the Senate                           as a whole.

2.   H.R. 3359: Traveling Exotic Animal Protection Act: To amend the Animal Welfare Act to restrict the use of exotic and non-domesticated animals in traveling circuses and exhibitions.
        Status: This bill is in the first step in the legislative process.

3.   H.R. 2359: Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011: To amend title VI of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to ensure the safe use of cosmetics, and for other purposes.
        Status:  This bill is in the first step in the legislative process.


I have chosen to examine H.R. 2359: Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011 further. 


Details of the bill:

1. Designed to give the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authority to ensure that personal care products are free of harmful ingredients and that ingredients are fully disclosed.
2.  It will also help the cosmetics industry by fostering the development of the safer products American consumers are demanding.
3. Phase-out of ingredients linked to cancer, birth defects and developmental harm.
4. Elimination of labeling loopholes by requiring full ingredient disclosure on product labels and company websites, including salon products and the constituent ingredients of fragrance.
5. Required data-sharing to avoid duplicative testing and encourage the development of alternatives to animal testing.
6. Creation of a health-based safety standard that includes protections for children, the elderly, workers and other vulnerable populations.

Questions:

1. Will the bill require companies to test every product?
2. How will the bill impact small business? How about big business?
3. What does the bill say about animal testing?