Danial's Political Rantings and other commentary

Another year almost gone...

2009-12-19T12:15:00.003-06:00

I have not updated this in almost year.... So much has happened though. I have lost over 60 pounds trying to get into the Army, but now going in a different direction. I am going to school this coming January to try and get certifications for networking computers.... I also have a son whom is 10 months old and was born in Febuary 2009. His name is Jason. I was living in Utah but now I am in California..... Well.....not much else to say lol

Obama Presidency

2009-01-28T12:05:00.002-06:00

Whether or not if you like it, it is here for at least the next 4 years. So far he is doing things that would deal away with all of what the Former President Bush has done with his policies. Soon the prison base in Cuba could be shut down.... This could either harm us or keep us more safe. Time will tell when it comes to this type of thing. He is also trying to get a stimulus package passed to save the corporations and the people that are in this country. We do need a bail out, but instead of bailing our corporate america... We should just send a check of major proportions to the people who really need it... not the rich people, but the middle to poor classes of our society. Sure we do run the risk of going into debt more as a country... but what is a few trillion more to save our behinds and to keep the businesses running and to keep people going on the right path.

Time will also tell us if he becomes kind of like the Hoover administration or like the Roosevelt administration... but what was a great boon to Roosevelt was a big war that harmed many millions of people. The cost of war did help this nation get out a much worse depression than what we are going through at the moment. But one does not know how worse it can get at this time. Things can and will happen to correct the balance of this country. What happens will happen and we will get some kind of benefit from it.

Although nothing has really changed when it has come to politics as usual, both sides still fight against each other to get what they want and also to stop things they do not want... Soon people will be even more fed up with the political system and do things that would try to change it. I really do not reccomend this type of change, but rather to people in office that would really benefit you, but that does not fully happen all the time, but it is the best option that would keep us going as a nation.

To get back to Obama, he has only been in office for like 8 days and he has 92 days if you buy into the first 100 days theory as to prove what he can and will do as a president... He does have to prove himself to the people whom put him into office. I would like to think that he will do what he can to prove that he belongs in the white house.

Hey

2008-12-08T10:30:00.002-06:00

For those whom have been reading my blog, I hope it has been interesting.

I just thought I would update my blog with somethings about myself at this moment in time.

In February I will be expecting my first child with my wife Juli, she is very wonderful to me as well. We are having a boy.

This christmas we are going to her parents by flying since my wife will be 8 months pregnant at the time. I hope this will be a good trip a time to get away from it all.

I am also finishing up my first semester at UVU. It has been ok so far, just have been dealing with writing papers and doing other home work as well. Plus I have been working in the Political Science and History department. This is a odd place to work, but helpful to my major.

On to some political news.... The President Elect is choosing his candidates for his cabinet. Some of the Notables are Bill Richardson as Sec of Commerce. He is the Gov of New Mexico at the moment. The next one is Hillary Clinton, she could be the Sec of State, she currently is a Jr. Senator from NY. They are nominated, but they will have to confirmed by the senate.... Wisdom is that they will be confirmed.... In addition to all of this the Economy is still going south, but hopefully it will pick up so that things will be going on the right track. At this moment, the Auto Industry ie the Big 3 US Automakers are hoping for a bailout just like the banking and housing industry had.... Who knows what will happen when it comes to this....

Enough for now lol

The New President

2008-11-06T14:22:00.002-06:00

On Nov. 4th, the people of the United States, elected their 45th President of their country. This totally made history for our Country. One will have to wait till Jan 20th when he takes office for real since that is the date that he will be sworn into office by the chief justice of the supreme court. He has many things that he wants to do, but we will shall see what really happens. In any case things are changing and we will need to go along with that change.

Voting

2008-10-22T10:21:00.002-05:00

For many of you all in the United States... It is almost that time again to Vote for our next president. Early Voting has already started in many states. You can even get an Absentee ballot if you need it as well. All you have to do is look up your States website and go from there.

It is a privelage and right to vote. Some countries do not have this right. In our country it has evolved from white male land owners to women being able to vote, then to having african americans voting as well. Everyone above the age of 18 can vote if they are registered. Along with this those males whom turn at also get to sign up for the Selective Service, this is a hold over from the draft era..... anyways....
Voting for those whom are running for office either on the national level or the state level allows you to complain about them... I know this may sound odd, but what does it matter if did not vote for that person. Your vote counts and allows you to say that I helped get that person in Office thus you can complain about them.

It is our civiv duty to vote. One does have that choice not to....

Anyways... This election is one of the biggest ones thus far, It will set history in motion either way.

2nd Presidential Debate

2008-10-08T10:16:00.002-05:00

This debate seemed to be a continuation of the 1st one. But it seemed to be a better show though. Obama kept his eyes on McCain almost the whole time. While McCain moved around like a bird.... The only big thing that came out of this was McCain's Idea to buy all the bad home loans and then redo them to make them reflect the housing prices now, and give the loans out at that price.... He wants to reduce government spending yet this would probably cost billions of dollars.... makes totally sense in fantasy land.....

I do feel that Obama has the edge to win the job of President... The last debate next week will be better I hope

Vice President Debate oct 2nd 2008

2008-10-02T21:53:00.002-05:00

Vice Presidential Debate Oct 2nd 2008
Joe Biden versus Sara Palin
1. Worst and best of Washington
2. How as VP how would you shrink polarization
3. Sub Prime lending problem
4. Raising taxes over 250, 000, health care plan
5. What promises have your campaign to people may not keep, bailout
6. Bankruptcy code change
7. Climate change
8. Same Sex benefits
9. Foreign Policy, Plan for Iraq
10. Iran or Pakistan
11. Israel
12. Nuclear weapons use
13. Intervention
14. Heartbeat away from President
15. What does a vp do
16. Experience or Discipline
17. Single Issue

Sara Palin
1. Good time or bad time… Soccer game fear when talking to mom’s there. Fear about college, and small business holders. Alarm has been heard.
2. Fundamental- work force. Track record of reform.
3. Lenders problem… predators. Deception, greed on Wall Street. Get rid of Corruption. Never taken advantage again. Do not live outside your means… Could learn good lessons. Government needs to be more efficient, tax relief.
4. Forgetting small businesses. Government should let the private sector do what it needs. Good healthcare plan, 5 thousand dollar healthcare tax credit
5. Took on Oil Companies. Took on Monopolies. Would not take off, 5 wks….. Stop greed and do oversight.
6. New changes need to look back. Toxic mess.
7. Alaska feels impacts of climate change. Temperature changes that cycle. Positively effect changes. Energy dependent. Drill, clean coal. Domestic Solution. Capping carbon emissions.
8. No if it redefines heterosexual marriage. Tolerant. No one would oppose things like contracts and visitations. Would support traditional marriage
9. Surge is working. No early withdraw. Win in Iraq. Down to pre-surge Iraq. Getting Closer to Victory. Getting closer to victory.
10. Iran is dangerous. Can not be allowed to have Nuclear weapons. Preconditions. Diplomacy. It is important.
11. Two state nations need to be done. Top of the agenda. Would not allow 2nd holocaust. Commitment.
12. End all. Can not be allowed to acquire i.e. dangerous countries. Sanctions…
13. No genocide in Darfur.
14. Agree to disagree. Continue his policies for the most part.
15. Over senate. Support president’s policies. Energy independence, special needs.
16. Good use as governor among other things. World View… (puritan values)
17. Passed budgets did not veto… progress agenda. Zero base budget, cut taxes, could not do as mayor and governor.
Joe Biden
1. Economic policies are the worst of Washington, deregulation. Oversight, home owners, protects tax payers, No Ceo’s benefit. When middle class go so goes the country.
2. Getting something done about genocide. He goes across the aisle. McCain is out of touch
3. Reinstating regulations. Middle class need relief.
4. Fairness. Middle class struggling. Fewer than 150 thousand will see tax break. Middle class Economic Engine. Healthcare
5. Will support tax cuts for rich. Can not afford to slow on education and energy solutions. Affordable healthcare. Eliminate wasteful spending. Give back money, windfall profits tax back...
6. Sub prime mortgage crisis. Allowing bankruptcy courts to change interest rates and principle. Would keep people in homes.
7. Thinks it is man made. Do not know cause, hard to find solution. Clean coal and Safe Nuclear. Exporting tech to China, to make it cleaner.
8. No problems with same sex and normal marriages. Support making get the same benefits when it comes to the constitution. Would not call for same sex marriages. No civil rights distinctions
9. Clear plan, shift to Iraq responsibilities. Have to have a time line. Iraq needs to spend own money. 16 month withdraw.
10. Both are dangerous. Focus on Pakistan. Both very dangerous. Stable government in Pakistan. Build schools. Will go after Bin Laden. Need to go extra mile.
11. Big mistake, to have them vote, Hamas… Policy of this administration abject failure.
12. Arms control, require arms regime. Keep nuclear weapons out of terrorist hands
13. Stomach for success. No genocide.
14. Would carry out his policies
15. Help Obama govern. Article 1 of the Constitution
16. Fundamental Changes… For the better. Understands…
17. Ideology for judges… matters supreme court. Intellectual change. Judicial Committee leader

Just my thoughts on this topic and what i took from it. I do think Biden won this....

Vice Presidential Debate

2008-09-30T15:38:00.003-05:00

Biden versus Palin....

The accomplished debator versus a person whom has limited debating experience. This one should prove to be a defining moment for Palin, if she makes it out of here with the win of the debate things will bode well for McCain and her campaign. If not one could say the wheels are coming off the track. She has breathed new life into his campaign, so as she goes, so goes his campaign in my opinion.

Biden will do well because he has done this so many times before. All he needs to do is put out Obama's message and keep things going in a positive manner for him. He should do this in a well rounded way.

The Economy will factor a lot into what the debate will be since the House of Reps are once again going to vote on the bail out plan again probably after some changes to the bill again. It will prove to be a problem if the voting is once again in the negative with the republicans leading the charge in that respect...

In the end, things will be greater known about each of their positions after this debate... May be Palin will have her own mind made up instead of it being made up for her...

Economic Bailout....

2008-09-29T20:25:00.002-05:00

Just to get to the point, the economic bailout is a big washout. The republicans for the majority did not choose to vote yes for this measure. The dems did vote yes, but there was a smal minority on this side who did vote no as well as the republicans whom did vote yes. They are going to try this again on thursday... They should have already left to go campaign in their home states already..... Each Candidate is blaming each for the mess that is going on.... But I would have to claim that Any republican can be linked to the vote, even if they are in the senate.....

We will have to see what happens on thursday....

The Debate

2008-09-27T10:30:00.002-05:00

So I saw the debate last night…. I would have to think that if we have McCain in Office, we could have Reagan economics all over again. He should have ran for President like 15 years ago. It does make sense to look at your oppenent when you are speaking to them, Obama did that. Yes I would have to agree that Obama did look a little stiff, but if you notced that every time McCain said something a bit off about him, he smirked and smiled, because Obama knew McCain was not telling the truth.
I have followed this very closely If we have Obama in the Whit House we will have the change that is needed rather than Old Party politics from what McCain has said, he is living in the past. Ironic though a person whom does not have email has a website, at least his campaign staff is living in this Decade….
We will have the changes that are necessary thought with Obama.

No matter whom is in Office..... Dealing with the nations economy is the top answer once we do that we will get everything else figured out.

The 1st Debate 2008 For President Sept 26.

2008-09-26T22:11:00.001-05:00

Just some of the highlights from my point of view

Debate: Foreign Policy Sept 26 2008. Just some of the highlights from my point of view
Direct Questions
1. Fixing economy
2. Fundamental differences in approach to fiscal problem
3. As President for whatever rescue plan, what you going to have to give up?
4. Lessons of Iraq
5. More troops to Afghanistan
6. Threat from Iran, Reading
7. Russia
8. 9-11 type attack

John McCain:
1. Not feeling great, but feeling better with challenges. Seeing both parties dealing with fiscal crisis. Failures both on Wall Street and Main Street. Fix problem. Point we have both seen both parties come together to fix problem, Transparency has to have options as well along with essential elements. House republics said they would be a solution to this problem. End of the beginning. Package to keep it stable. Foreign oil gets away from. Would vote for solution. Lost accountability. Have to start holding people accountable. Greed is rewarded...Failure to carry out things is rewarded. Will hold those responsible. Need to fix system. Main Street is dealing with what is going on in DC. Strict regulation. Fundamental believe in the American Worker. We have to get through these times.
2. Spending. Republicans came to change, but it changed them. Earmarks gateway to corruption. Brought under control. Earmark veto when it comes to spending. Tripled in the last 5 years. Fought against it. Cut spending... keep taxes low. Business pays 2nd highest taxes in United States. Cut that tax. So they will remain. More than just 18 billion for earmarks. I want people to have tax cuts. 5 thousand tax rebate for health care. 3500 for tax cuts as well to lowest bracket. Look at records. Fundamentally fair. Give them all a choice 2 tax brackets. Old or new tax code.
3. Cut spending. Obama is liberal on spending. Eliminate Ethanol spending. Do away with cost plus building. Defense spending is important and vital. Get cost over runs under control. Examine every agency and keep some jobs and eliminate those that do not work. Spending freeze but military, veterans, along with others. Climate change. No health care when it comes to federal government. Cancel Obama’s spending. Including taking care of veterans. Low tax, not raising any ones taxes. Spending restraint. Owe china 500 billion. Eliminate unnecessary spending
4. Cannot have a failed strategy. War mishandled. Have to change strategy fundamentally. Great General and our strategy are succeeding. Coming home with Honor. Will see a stable ally and a fledgling democracy. Could have gone back if we came home early... As we have won other wars when coming home when it comes to other wars. Next president will decide how we leave and what we leave behind.
5. Won't repeat mistake from war in 1980's. Not prepared to cut off aid to Pakistan. Not prepared to deal with as well. Going to be tough. Get cooperation with those countries. Not just additional troops that matter.
6. If Iran acquires nukes threat to Israel and other countries. Cannot allow 2nd holocaust. League of Democracies. Common Ideas. Impose meaning sanctions on Iranians. We can affect Iranian behavior. Have to have Preconditions when meeting...
7. Obama is Naive. KGB runs government. Not acceptable Behavior when it comes to Russia. Need to bolster our friends and allies. Thinks Russian has to understand inclusion to NATO when it comes to Georgia.
8. Much less day after 9-11, needed a commission to find out what happened in 9-11. Had legislation passed? Most reforms put into law. Bi-Partisan. Do better in Human Intelligence. No more torturing. Have to have better tech. I know our allies and can work with them. Have long way to go. Largest reorganization of departments since defense department created. Ready to go right now

Barack Obama:
1. Defining moment. Worst since depression. Main Street has been struggling for awhile. How it could affect me. Have to move swiftly and wise
Oversight over process. Make sure that tax payers have possible way of getting money back along with gains. Not pad ceo. Root problem is foreclosures. Final verdict on failed policies by Bush and McCain. Have not worked. Fundamentals by American people. Does think constructive work is there. How did we get into this situation? Look at how we dealt with regulations. No 21st century solution. Responsibility when not in crisis. People have been dealing with this before the crisis. Have to look at other things. Hold ourselves accountable day in and day out, no matter who you are.
2. Earmark abuse, cleaned up earmarks for his home state. 18 billion dollars for budget. Tax cuts to wealthiest people. McCain’s 300 billion. Build from the bottom up. 95 percent for those whom are at the bottom. Close loop holes. Give tax breaks to those whom keep work in the United States. Health care as well. 18 is important. Will go line by line. 250,000 will not see tax cut difference. Too many loop holes. McCain would not close loop but go over those. If we give them to oil company, would not give them to others.
3. Do not know what tax revenues will be. Not going to be able do all that we can do? 10 years freedom from oil of Middle East. Developing fuel efficient cars in the United States. Deal with other alternative as well. Fix healthcare. Fix education and keeping up. Make college affordable. Rebuild infrastructure. Build energy lines as well. Can short change. Make programs go away that will not work. But build those that will. Investing in energy, big project. Components may not work at the moment. Google for Government. Tax money spent to have transparency. Bring war to a close. Effect budget. Short term.... may not see that money for awhile, less tax revenue. In order to make those decision have to see values and priority. Not short changing priorities.
4. Opposed war 6 years ago. Fundamental difference. May have been wrong or right for country. We took our eye off the ball. Spending 10 billion a month. Iraq has 79 billion surpluses. We should never hesitate to use military. Have to use it wisely. Violence has been reduced.
5. More troops on the ground. 2-3 additional brigades. Place to deal with them is Afghanistan. Press government. Make sure they are dealing with people. Deal with poppy trade. Pakistan deal with them. Get rid of safe haven.
6. Iran’s influence grows. Iraq was major threat to Iran. Cannot tolerate a Nuclear Iran. Also create an environment for arms race in the Middle East. Engage in tough diplomacy with Iran. No Preconditions.
7. Russian approach under evalutation. Unwarrented when attack Georgia. 21st power, and not act like a 20 century power. We have to insist that those smaller countries in Europe to NATO. No Cold war stance. Nuclear Proliferation. Need to deal with it, when it comes to lose nuclear weapons when it comes to Russia. Sharp responses. We have to have foresight when it comes to these problems. Energy Strategy....
8. Safer in some ways. Long way to go. Deal with transit and Ports. Suitcase rather than missile. Missile defense. Cannot be focused on Iraq. Need to deal with root cause. Important for us to understand how we are perceived in the world. Restore standing in worlds eyes. City on the Hill (Puritan roots) Send message to world when it comes to living out our dreams...

The Economy

2008-09-25T16:42:00.004-05:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26884523/?GT1=43001

Whether or not you believe we are heading into the biggest recession or downturn since 1929 and that stock market crash.... It is something that you have to take notice and see how the economy will effect you life.... Many will not be able to get loans that they really need to build a home, to get a home or even to make additions to their house. Plus all the other loans that one would need to get for their life and what they need to survive on. Plus if you have money in the stock market you need to know that you won't lose the shirt off your back if you have stock in those companies that are folding. The money that one does have in the bank either in a checking account or a savings account it will be safe because it is insured already by the FDIC.

Now on to the article that is posted in the link. It talks about the "bailout" that the government wants to do. It is mainly the President who wants congress to deal with this in a manner that would really stop the recession and get us back on track as a nation. Many key figures have been at this meeting. Notably the two candidates that are running for Bush's Office since he will be up to his last term limit soon..... If we follow this plan that is laid out before congress we can hopefully achieve a normalization in the market and have things correct itsself over time, not in a manner of days, but mainly a matter of years since it took us that long to get into this mess. Anyways, we need to what we can to make sure that we can not lose our homes and other things any more. We will be safe from starving like what happened in the depression of 1929 since our economy is very big and strident. Anyways it will be interesting to see what unfolds in the days and weeks and months to come about this issue.

2008-09-24T22:07:00.001-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SnQOdEXbNQ

The election

2008-09-10T22:39:00.003-05:00

So we have this thing called an election this year.....

We have a female VP candidate and a young Black Senator running for President and an Older guy Running for President as well, and another older guy for a VP....

One side is Democrat and the other side is Republican.....

Both have had their conventions. They turned out well for each candidate. They for the most part outlined what they want to do for their presidency..... But the republicans seemed to only talk about McCains service record in the military, for some people this seemed to be a let down. He did not talk about his policies and what he really wanted to do besdies service oriented stuff.

The Democrat out lined what they wanted to do. Obama came out strong and said what he really wanted to do.

But recently there is a lot of mudslinging about whom is lying the most and what comments can be bad to say about the females.... Go figure, it seems like old party politics to me. Even though they all say they want change.....

We will find out in a few months though... But stay tuned to the debates to see if they can really hash out what policies will work best for us....

The Polls are favoring McCain because of the mudslinging though.....

Changes

2008-05-27T15:04:00.002-05:00

I am in Orem for the summer and then I start school again in the fall, but I still will be in Orem, with my Beautiful Wife... Juli, She is the world to me. I am also looking for work, nothing yet so far. She works at Partyland for now.

As far as the Election is concerned... MCCain is looking for a Vice President. On the otherside, Obama has the lead over Hillary Clinton...... Not sure whom will win.... But It could be Obama...

Life happens

2008-04-25T08:07:00.002-05:00

Many things have happened since I last posted in this.

Soon I will be taking my finals for all of the classes that I am enrolled in. I will also be moving to Orem, Utah to attend Utah Valley University. I am already in classes at that college for next fall.

I also get to shop for a new cell phone since we have to change networks.

As for the presidential election, MCcain has the nomination for the republicans... I still hope he picks a lds running mate, he has two on his list. The Democrats are still fighting it out. I do hope Obama wins over Hillary Clinton though.

We shall see what will happen though....

Life in the Fast Lane......

2008-03-09T18:06:00.002-05:00

I have not updated this in a long while....

Mitt Romney has dropped out and has endorsed John McCain. McCain has gotten the nomination.... I hope that he picks Romney as his running mate.... but who knows.....

For other things...... I am going to a different college in Orem, Utah. The college is called, Utah Valley University.... I will still be in the political science major, yet going for a different concentration dealing with American Government....
Things are going well with being married.....

Life is good and School is going well, but hard at some times....

Mitt Romney and Iowa

2008-01-04T09:48:00.000-06:00

Mitt Romney did not win the Iowa caucuses as he could have done so. Even though Huckabee won this state, it only means that he has so much more to lose. I do believe that Romney will have a better showing in the rest of that states that are up for primary elections. What is suprising though is Obama's win in Iowa and Edwards coming in 2nd place. It seems all the effort for his is starting to amount to nothing.

In my opinion Romney has to put his message out more clearer and give the folks what they want to hear especially about the main issues that are bothering the people of the United States. If he can do this and out shine Huckabee with what he has to say he can win. I do believe that if Clinton Keeps losing the primaries we may see a show down between Edwards and Obama. This could prove to be quite interesting.

College Students rob bank to pay tution

2007-12-04T12:40:00.000-06:00

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,314871,00.html

2 College students said they robbed banks to pay for tution because it was too high. They also are up on charges for kidnapping. If Convicted they face 20 years in prison. They have plead Guilty to these crimes. The did attend University of Toledo, In Cincinatti, OH. They told the judge that tuition out paced financial aid and scholarships. In their first attempt they Got away with 130 thousand by robbing a bank with guns and sky masks. Then tried to rob a check cashing place, but could not get past the security system set up ie bullet proof glass around the check cashing counter. They were caught trying to switch cars.

This is very bad if people have to stoop to robbing banks to pay for college. But they could have used other means, but they chose to take things into their own hands and rob people.... I for one am glad they are going to go to prison for a very long time. This type of thing puts college students in a bad light.....

DC Reigion Named most Walkable

2007-12-04T12:26:00.000-06:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22097393/

For many people it is important to them, that they have the choice to walk around and get to places very easily. Many people are moving in communities that are very walkable esp in the DC area. The key to this is rail tranist to areas that would of great opprotunity to those who work and live near the capital. This will take more to time to fully understand, but Rome was not built in a day. During some of the building of the transit system it was put under ground. This gave rise to urban villages.

I think it is a great idea to have places that very accessable to people whom walk and would only need to take a train or communter rail to places for work and things like that. As for me I would greatly like to see more cities have things like this.

Hostage situation at clinton campaign office

2007-11-30T15:20:00.000-06:00

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/11/30/hostage-situation-at-clinton-office-in-nh/index.html?hp

Someone claiming to have a bomb strapped to themselves entered the Clinton offices today. This happened in New Hampshire. 2 people are being held hostage with the supposed bomber... The Romney Campaign has said to keep doors locked and keep on the look out for suspicous people... They are dealing with problem all over the campaign trails when it comes to other campaign offices. It is really crazy at what people will do to derail others campaign efforts. Some are shutting done speeches for this because they want to be on the safe side....

I think it is very strange that this would happen. I know it is possible in this day and age. I think we will see a time where campaign offices will get bombed with either the candidate there or not. This will be a sad day. We have already had people shot whom were running for president in the past. Security will need to be increaed 10 fold.....

Grounded Fighter Jets Pose Problem

2007-11-28T21:34:00.000-06:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22013767/

In a recent Crash of an f-15 fighter jet found some problems in the fuselage. They found some defetcs in that crash. This problem could be fleet wide. The Air Force has said. The older versions of this jet will remain grounded until they figure out the problem.These are over 30 years old. They want to replace this aging jet with the F-22 Raptor. For other missions non combat related they used the f-16

I think this raises some questions as in what is going on with the routine checks of the flight rediness of these mulit-million dollar fighter jets. They need to do more tests and find out what could go wrong and fix it before it happens. But this could be hard to find, but it should be dealt with in a timely manner. They also need working back ups that would fit nicely into the program and they would help for them not to miss a beat for combat related missions.

House Passes Bill that may fund war and pull troops home

2007-11-15T12:22:00.000-06:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21790348/

The house has passed a 50 billion dollar budget for extra spending for the Iraq War. But the main condition is that they would have to withdrawal troops from Iraq. They also want to see combat end by December 2008. This was a mainly symbolic Jab at President Bush, because he will end up vetoing this bill anyways. It also includes language for interrogations. It will put limits and set policy for the CIA and how is does waterboarding.

I do think this bill not get anywhere any time soon. Republicans don't want to bring troops home, nor do they want to look bad by condemning funding, so they may find alternatives bills to keep up the funding. I do feel how ever that they do need to bring the troops home, but only after we make sure we can exit in a manner that would not leave them in a total civil war, but that may end up happening anyways.

Musharraf May quit Army

2007-11-14T18:09:00.000-06:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21787731/

The leader of the Pakistan Government May quit the army. Hey may also begin a new life as a civilian government leader. Hey probably won't lift emergency rule until January if that happens at all. He did though ground Bhutto to her quarters because she may lead the opposition party to go against him.

I think it is great that he may give up being a military leader and become a civilain leader, but I do how ever have reservations that he may still have problems. I don't think he will leave one without the other behind. I don't think he can keep those two area's of his life seperate. He may be a good leader if he can. He should lift emergency rule sooner than january. He should allow freedom to protest him, even if they are totally against him.

Sea wall to hit off English Coast

2007-11-08T22:24:00.000-06:00

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,309758,00.html

They say the sea surge will go above 10 feet or so of normal tidal surges because of off sea tidal winds that are blowing very fierce. Many people will be effected by this. They are going to close the Thames Barrier to offset the flooding in this area of London. It will run down the East Coast of England. If people are wondering why blog about this. This is something that could effect many business and normal citizens. They want people to heed the warnings.

This may have global warming implications from the signs of it. But I don't really believe in that myself, but it is always good to have weather stories mixed in with political ones so that we can get a wide range of things.

Romney's Sunbeaming optimism

2007-11-08T10:41:00.000-06:00

When asked questions Mitt, shows signs of being very optimistic towards many things. He talks about how america needs to be very optimistic and keep moving forward. Saying there is nothing we can't overcome. This is also similar to what Reagan Has promoted in some of his campaign messages. He started with "It is Morning In America Again" Mitt is trying to use this optimism in his campaign speeches among many other things. He goes to point out and say that our future can be better than our past.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21685406/

I think he may be on to something. If all we here is negative and someone starts to promote optimism and gladness people may start to turn their points of view. Yes I may be a Mitt Romney Supporter, I do however tend to think we need presidential Candidates to promote a place of self worth in America and a value that we can change things for the better and go forward in the future with more optimism.

Colbert.... Not able to run... since Dems voted to not have him on ballot

2007-11-01T16:18:00.000-05:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21580385/

Colbert did put in his filing fee to run on the democratic ticket in South Carolina. He thought 2,500 was better than putting 35 thousand to run as a republican. But the Democratic executive council voted 13-3 to keep him off the ballot there. Which is kind of sad. He would actually make things very interesting in the presidential race. I think he would create new media campaigns that would shock the rest of the people. But although It is interesting that it would open up the field to the entertainment media that we already have. He is first person of that kind field to put his hat in the ring for president. He will though get his money back.

I think we won't see the last of this type person running for president or anything else......related to congressional races.

Math help being exported

2007-10-31T10:50:00.000-05:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/31/business/worldbusiness/31butler.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

This aritcle talks about many mundane things being out sourced to India. Like hair appts, travel arrangements. There are also some who get help when it comes to math for standard tests. These personal services are just the 2nd part of what has been outsourced to india. We have put many things in the hands of them that would relate to computer programing among other things of that nature One of the problems would be overcoming the language barrier.

I find this type of outsourcing kind of scarey. Who wants to learn math over the internet via india. It is sad when highschool kids have to resort to this type of being tutored.... We need to strengthen our own tutoring program here in the United States

Student tries to get teacher fired whom is also a congressional candidate

2007-10-25T22:18:00.000-05:00

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,305177,00.html

A student armed with a video camera and a website is trying to force a candidate out of a teaching job in Michigan. He posts himself questioning the teaching of a asst professor at this college. He seems to be doing this because the teacher can't pick what to do either teach or be in congress. I don't think it would be a problem if he was not running in a contested race.

I think we take things to far... In some places you have to work while you are in congress because you don't make that much and it is harder esp if you are in a non professional state congress. Anyways.... People take things out of proportion.....

Microsoft buys stake in Face Book

2007-10-24T21:12:00.000-05:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/25/technology/24cnd-facebook.html?_r=1&hp=&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1193278250-BZsnYxgQj8VxSnjNkdQ4nQ

Microsoft won a big deal over its rivals Google and Yahoo for a 240 millon dollar stake in Face book. This would lead to a 1.6 percent stake in that company. This will allow microsoft to place and sell ads arcoss the waters in other nations out side the united states. This has seen the growth of stock and value in face book to big proportions. This group will exceed to over 60 million by years end they hope.

Facebook is a great site if you want to network and get to know people around your school and country. It also allows you keep people updated with the goings on in your world and what you like to do and things that you can relate to.

I use it to an extent but I do tend to think, it can be addicting just like anything else.

Shooting Gallery

2007-10-19T12:32:00.000-05:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21367579/

Well if the Title did not catch your attention... This article talks about San Francisco adding a drug shooting gallery full with nurses where people can shoot up drugs in a safe environment. It would be the nations first. Canada has one just like the one they are proposing here. It would help with overdosing among many other things.

I just find it hard to believe we would allow something like this.... It may be helpful but honestly does it help them get of their addiction or does it even help them leave the drugs alone... Probably not. I just don't think they should have this any where... I am in favor of keeping illegal drugs just that illegal.....

But if it does help them keep them from overdosing that would be fine, would not want to clog our ers with their mess....

Global Warming and the GOP

2007-10-17T20:32:00.000-05:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/17/us/politics/17climate.html?_r=1&ref=us&oref=slogin

This talks about all the positions that the GOP take when it comes to Global warming. They think it is a threat.... They are taking the position that needs to be changed and they have ideas but not really the same idea. Of course they all think we need more nuclear plants. The two religious right GOP's running for president want strong reductions, they also talk about spiritual areas with this.

I don't think what they all would propose would make a diffrence. I don't believe in Global warming myself. I just think this change is going as it should be, but the world inhabitants are making things go faster. We do need to curb many things

Al Gore and UN Panel win Nobel Peace Prize

2007-10-12T08:45:00.000-05:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/13/world/13nobel.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

Who would have thought he would win one of these things... But Al Gore and a Panel of UN members working on Climate change won the nobel for peace prize. He is said to be the single most person to create a worldwide understanding of the measures that need to be adopted. He was deeply honored to get this award. He also says we face a planetary emergency.

It must be nice to get such an award. I myself have not gotten one..... but I digress..... I do't think we have to worry about a major climate shift, it is only changing like it has done in the past years of the earth. Us humans are only speeding up the process. This earth can bare more than people realize. We do need to create an environment that is sutiable for us to live in and make it more healthy though. We should congratulate Former V. P Gore for what he has won. It is not every day you get to win something like this.... People are still trying to get him to run For President.... I think he should stay away and rest with his Prize.....

Turkey upset over Armenian Genocide Vote

2007-10-11T11:09:00.000-05:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/12/world/europe/12turkey.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

If you have not been following this story, I will update you... I have not but it is an issue in my family now, since My Wifes Father is Armenian.

During WW One, Turkey killed many Armenians as what the United States is calling genocide. A total of 1.5 million Armenians died as a result of a systimatic campaign of the Ottoman Empire out of easter Turkey, this started to happen in 1915 and ended in 1923 with the modern creation of Turkey. A house resolution was passed by pretty good margins, but it still had pressure not to be passed mainly by th President and others because they felt it would strain relations with Turkey... It has been dealt with in many forms over the years, but every time is was voted down and not dealt with. It may not have all the power it needs to be passed, but it would be great for it to happen. Turkey may not be all that happy with this, but you can't get away with killing so many like this. I for one think something needs to be done about this. You can't go around killing so many people in the past just because you want or need the land. And then expect to get away with it like nothing happened. Even nothing monetary comes out of this, it would at least put it in the records so that people won't forget the history of what countries will do and have done for the sake of more land....

Thompson Fails to wow Crowds in Iowa

2007-10-03T18:39:00.000-05:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/03/us/politics/03cnd-thompson.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

This article talks about Fred Thomspon and how he is failing to wow the crowds that he is talking to. He has to ask people to clap for him.... I find this type of thing kind of sad. He is not being very dynamic in his campaigning as other thought he would be. He displayed little drive to set himself apart from the other republicans. he talks about the security of the nation also. He does attack the Democrats which is a plus for him in some senses.

I do think for him to do well and be all that he could be, would be for him to be more animated and live with the crowds he is speaking to. He needs to really sell his campaign as something different than all the others that are out their. He may be raising more money than others at the moment, but that does not mean anything if you can't get the people behind you and what you stand for. People will get bored if you don't try to wow them everytime and put ourselve out side your box that you are comfortable with.....

Army Offering College credit for recruiting tool

2007-10-03T12:07:00.000-05:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21100830/

This article talks about how they plan to offer accredited college credit hours so that those whom have jobs that would translate to college would get either a bachelors degree or a certificate. This way you can get a job and get a degree. In order to obtain this, you would have to stay in the Army for awhile to get an associates and then longer to get a bachelors degree. But I feel it would be worth it, just to know what you are doing in the Army could translate to college credits, if you feel staying in the army for a really long time is not what you would want.
It is about time they start to offer something other than the GI Bill.... Doing things that would keep people in and then have others join is a great idea. I think it would allow them to know they are doing something worthwhile and still be serving their country. Not to say that serving your country is not worthwhile because it is....
I was in the Army for a Time.... but I was one of those whom did not make it out of basic, but I do believe it was the best 3 months of my life. I learned many things and I did accomplish other things..... But it is great that they are doing things that would better our soldiers so that when they come home, some of them can go to college with credit hours or even have certificates that would allow them to get a better job. In the end they are slowly getting the process of what they need to do to keep soldiers in and to have them join......

Halo 3

2007-09-27T14:59:00.000-05:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/26/technology/26halo.html?ref=technology

Yes the most awaited Game has finally came in. It will be a great boom to Microsofts lagging x-box 360's gaming system, since you can only play this game on that system. This is the final installment of this 1st person shooter game. You have to fight aliens whom are bent on destroying everything in its path and dealing with other aliens whom are bent on religous destruction. Either way you as the Master Chief and others whom are on your side have to deal with all of this to save the world and humanity as it stands broken and defeated...

I have played the other 2 installments and they are very good. Although at the moment I can't play the third game. I would reccomend it to any one whom likes great graphics and really likes this series of Games. It has great idea when it comes to mulitplayer gaming and online gaming because you can make your own map and play it, not just customize what you want, but everthing else.....

Sect leader convicted on rape-by-proxy charges

2007-09-26T10:55:00.000-05:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20974526/

This story is about Warren Jeffs... so called leader of a fundamentalist leader of a fundamentalist mormon sect whom believes in having multiple wives.... He was not convicted of that but helping when it comes to rape because he help marry a 14 year old girl to her 19 year old cousin. He could get life in prison for this... I do hope he does...

People sadly revere him as a prophet and depend on him for their salvation... He was the person whom lead the many marriages.... He is also being charged with many other sick crimes...

The Offical Mormon church (lds) does not practice polygamy and they disavow any relationship with the flds church...

I am glad people have the courage to convict people like him. You may wonder what this has to do with this class... It something that I have tried to keep up with because, I am LDS...

People like this really leave a bad taste in many people's mouth because he thinks he is doing what God has told him, but He really is not. To bad they don't convict people of the realy crime polygamy. If they did that we would have less people whom create other crimes with this...

Just to close It will be something to see what he finally gets in his sentence. I hope it is a long time.

Cell Phone service in the MTA

2007-09-19T22:12:00.000-05:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/20/nyregion/20cellphone.html?hp=&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1190257999-dVWF3Gz+6Mr2soUnVPSedA

The MTA, also known as the Metro Transit Authority, has stated that they are going to wire all 277 stations for their subway system. It is going to cost close to 50 million dollars and take 10 years... I say 10 years too late for many things. They will also be fronting the almost 300 million to even get this major project of the Ground. It is hard and costly to update something that has really never been wired for Cell Phone Service. This will aide in getting information out like emergencies and even with normal calls when it comes to families calling home because the train is running late.

I feel all of this is happening too late since cell phones took of in the mid to late 1990's and have become even bigger in the last 7 years or so. I do understand that it is very costly and labor heavy to wire every subway station for cell phone service. i think they could if they tried to allow for wifi systems to be in place also... You never know when you could be stuck waiting for a train and want to surf the web with out using your cell phone if you don't have one that is really ready for it. It is also concievable that doing this would be hard since you may become a target for many things....

Anyways, I have never ridden a subway before, but I do think they are going in the right step when it comes to this, but I on the other hand think this could have been very vital during September 11, 2003 especially for those in the subway not because they were attacked, but so their families could reach them.... just for knowing if they were safe.

Private Security force's licensed pulled in Iraq

2007-09-17T12:10:00.000-05:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/17/world/middleeast/17cnd-iraq.html?hp

The Firm called Black Water whom helps with security of Diplomats among with helping rebulding efforts, had its license to operate in Iraq pulled because as they were pulling security duty, 8 Iraqis were killed... They came under fire and it seemed they returned fire....

It is hard to Imagine that we would have the need of these types of services over there, but we do since we don't have the amount of boots on the ground to provide for everthing that they do provide. I think having the Military provide security for diplomats would be the best way to go. I don't think we need a private security force doing this. They should stick to keeping the constuction sites safe and doing other things that would actually help rather then hinder or alienate Iraqi support.... The Defense Deparment should reevaluate all the private security firms to as what they are doing and how much force they do actually use. If we put more people on the ground and lessen the amount of time they are over there we would actually see the amount of those types of firms drop....

Fear and Loathing Airlines and Airports....

2007-09-12T16:42:00.000-05:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20724859/

This one can almost write its self..... What more do you want to hear about having lost luggage, long lines in security, and then to top it all off waiting in on the tarmac, just to take off... I personally have never had the misfortune of losing luggage, waiting really long on the runway nor long security lines, but reading about them is troubling in and of its self. I don't buy into the whole theory of it can't be fixed since it is so messed up. I think you can create solutions to any problem, you just need to be very creative and do it with the public in mind always. The last time I flew it was from Abq, New Mexico to Fresno, Cali, I was held up in security due to other things like being hand checked with a metal detector and then having my cell phone set off a second alarm, when I am assuming they checked for chemical stuff..... I did make it pass all of that after a supervisor came and said I was ok and I could go along to my Gate. I don't have a real problm with what they do do at these lines, but some of things can be very tricky and not really worthwhile. It would seem improbable to blow up a airline with liquid materials because you would need a large amount, but that is beside the point. I think the whole system of of the faa when it comes to just normal day to day running of the airlines systems as a national entity needs to be overhauled and re done to make it more easier for you get past all the lines and lost luggage..... When in doubt arrive early and book for the week days and not the weekend......

Disney wants to get independent reviewer for toys.

2007-09-10T14:42:00.000-05:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20689396/

This Article talks about how Disney wants to get an independent study of their toys to test for lead. Many companies have had many problems with lead in their products. Mattel recently has many recalled items due to this problem. It helps to make sure that you don't have lead in your toys or any other products that can be directly given to children or even adults. Disney is making a great choice in seeking this type of review. I think more companies would follow suit with this especially if they do any business with china and the products they put out. I am not saying that all their products are bad, just the ones that may contain lead in high amounts. I just tend to believe in order to have say stuff for children, just make it in the United States and cut out the tariffs and taxes that are associated with doing business with China. Buy American and you can probably know with a relative certianty you are getting good products.

6 Nuclear Warheads flown across the US

2007-09-06T10:51:00.000-05:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20427730/

You may wonder the reason as to me blogging about this.... In case you have not read this story, At least 6 nuclear warheads were flown across the United States in a B-52 bomber with out the warheads being dismantled from the body of the weapon which it should have been, before they were supposed to be fully dismantled. In any case the commander whom did this is currently relieved of duty and is under investigation. I do however think big mistakes were made in the handling of this in any case. It is hard to believe protocols were ignored and that they actually did do this. Many commitees will be held for this. I just think everyone invloved should be questioned and this has to be made an example so that this type of thing does not happen again.

Yahoo Microsoft buy out rumor

2007-09-04T16:57:00.000-05:00

This one deviates from the normal political realm into something that deals with technology. Will Yahoo, inc sell out to Microsoft Corp? http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/09/04/yahoo-microsoft-chatter-rises-again/ Some analysts are suggesting that is may in fact happen in the future some time... There are many people who say this won't happen because they don't have the same goals in mind. But picking up the media and ad subsciptions from them would be a great boon to microsoft, plus it would add to the search engine medium that microsoft has been lagging in over the past few years, but they are slowly gaining ground in this area, but buyng yahoo, they can really boost their stock and what they have to offer also. In my opinion, I don't think Microsoft will buy Yahoo in the near future, they are waiting for them to be lower in the stock market when it comes to their shares, but this won't happen any time soon. But in the same token, they don't want to spend all that money on something that would probably not really help them in the long run, since they would probably gut them and then cast away the things that won't really help them at all. But anyways, this may make some peoples heads turn and buying yahoo stock right now would be a good bet for the short term until the hype dies down....

Thompson to annouce candidacy for president...

2007-08-30T18:41:00.000-05:00

I just thought I would write some about this article.. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20517462/.

He may be a bit old and also an actor whom has some previous experience with other things that pertain running for office. He is going to say his offically running for office via webcast on semptember 6th.... He say he is more consistant than all of those out there. I don't know much about him beside him being on Law and Order, but I do think, he will shake things up and make every one else consider him a serious candidate.... But then again he may have to lose the money he is getting from being on the show for awhile, but I don't think he cares about that all that much. Because of the face time that he gets from those past episodes, they will be pulled to make sure that all the others get equal time... In my opinion he may prove to be a worthy opponent for the other republican candidates and even for the democrats....

Poverty Rates fall, but many unisured....

2007-08-28T20:01:00.000-05:00

I thought I would make comments about this story and how it can be related to many things we are talking about in class. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/28/us/28cnd-census.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

This talks about the poverty rate falling for the first time this decade... but it was not across the board when it comes to the nation. Which I find kind sad, but totally believable. There are many states have a higher than average poverty rate than most states. Those would be in the south and some other states. It was not even even when it came to race also, it was lower for hispanics, but it stayed the same for blacks, whites and asians. It was also the lowest for the elderly since 1959.

Improvments in the median income have helped raise people out of poverty. But I tend to think that even though your median income is higher, you can still be in poverty, even it may not seem like it. As for the unisured problem, many of those working lost their employer based health insurance.. But those who are in poverty, or just above it, can't afford to pay for insurance, so they don't buy it or get it.

It is really sad that those who really need the insurance to take care of themselves and their children can't pay for it, and they probably don't have jobs that would have insurance that would cover them.

In the end, I would only say that it does not pay to be poor, when it comes to many things, but the poverty level is going down, but not at a rate that would totally eliminate it. Then again, I believe we will always have a poverty level as we get more people whom are coming in poor. If we but provide some level of health insurance at a low cost or no cost, it would greatly benefit those whom need it..

Just to get things started...

2007-08-23T17:17:00.000-05:00

This blog will be about my idea's and thoughts about the political views andd findings that I read in all kinds of media be it in written, video or listening to it on the tv... but mainly it will be from online news papers.... Feel free to comment about my writings about others writings when things finally take off...

As for me politically, I tend to vote for those whom I think have good moral judgements... this campaign cycle is all about Mitt Romney, not just because I share the same faith as he does, but I do feel he has the right idea's on many things that I would tend to think would make a good president. Even though you may have read about him flip-flopping on some things... I do tend to think every one is entitled to change their mind, be it a normal citizen or a person running for Office...

Danial