2.8 "More Great News!"

The article was written by James Mcwilliams for the Atlantic. he is addressing the recently lifted ban on horse slaughter and how as a country our logic on the matter is disturbing. He states that as a culture that's becoming increasingly serious about the ethics of eating, why are we more concerned with discussing where an animal should be slaughtered than whether it should be slaughtered at all?  Mcwilliams states that we can empathize with having a tube shoved into our throats (speaking of ducks having their livers swollen for foie gras), but we cannot even remotely empathize with being shunted off to a slaughterhouse (the poor ponies). HE believes anyone who thinks that it's possible to eschew liver but eat horse -- or any animal product, for that matter -- is simply choking on self-deception.

1. What was happening to horses in America destined for slaughter anyway?

Horses in America destined for slaughter were being sent to Mexico.
2. What do you personally think about people who boycott foods because they think they are unethical?
I think that it is silly to boycott foods because they think they are unethical in the end its gonna die why not let it die to help someone survive.
3. What do you think Rakestraw thinks about people who protest foods because they think they are unethical? 
I think that Rakestraw thinks that those people are hippie trash! 
4. Why do people get so upset about foie gras?
People get so upset about foie gras because the ducks have to have tubes shoved down their throats to swell their livers.
5. What is different about people's relationship with ducks and horses?
The difference in peoples relationships with ducks and horses is that we've never worked or lived closely with ducks, nor do we care for them as companion animals, and with horses they  an animal with whom we've plowed fields, colonized continents, waged war, rode to victory, and (with thankful rarity) buggered
6. Explain why this is silly.
This is silly because people don't care about horse meat not because of lack of empathy its because they simple don't care and the animal is getting treated better on its way to slaughter now.

2.7 Great News For America!!!!

Obama legalized horse slaughter for human consumption. The House version of the bill retained the de-funding of inspections of horses in transit and at slaughter houses and the Senate version did not, and when passed to the conference committee charged with reconciling the two opted to not include it. This means that Americans can soon expect to see horse meat next to hamburger and bacon on grocery store shelves.

1. Is this awesome?

This is so ridiculous its incredible!! Can't wait to eat a horse burger! (o.O)

2.6 Balanced Budget Amendment FAIL

1. What is required for Congress to propose amendments?
 two-thirds majority

2. Why are Democrats against a balanced budget amendment?
Because it would require cuts to social programs

3. If this bill passed the House, would it be sent to the states for ratification?
No it would be sent to the Senate and would require two-thirds majority vote

4. What is the national debt? (NOT how much is it)
The national debt is the money the American government barrows from other countries currently it is 36 cents for every dollar spent

5. Why would programs be at risk during economic downturns if there was an amendment that forced the budget to be balanced?
Programs would be at risk during economic downturns because spending would need to be cut

6. David Drier is the Chairman of the House Rules committee. Why is he so important?
David Sriere is so important as Chariman of the House Rules committee because he schedules all bills for review, sets a limit on debate and decides wheather the bill is open or closed rule on the house floor

7. What important costs mentioned at the end of the article need to be considered when thinking about an amendment forcing a balanced budget?
National security and defence costs need to be considered when thinking about an amendment forcing a balanced budget

8. What type of spending is characteristic of the government in the last 50 years?
federal spending has exceed revenues in any one year putting the country in a spending deficit

2.5

1. What is a financial - disclosure record?
a history of what type of investments Legislators make.

2. Why do we need those?

3. Which one of John Kerry's jobs in the Senate is mentioned? What does that mean he is responsible for?
Chairman of the heath subcommitee this means he is in charge of drug legislation

4. What was John Boehner doing during health care reform debates?
John Boehner was the house majority leader was investing “tens of thousands of dollars” in health-insurance-company stocks

5. What is insider trading?
insider trading of a corporations stocks by individuals with potenrial access to non-public information about the company

6. What do the House and Senate ethics rules say about congressmen's stock ownership?
member’s recusal from a vote affecting his or her stock portfolio “might be denying a voice” in the process

7. What suspicious activity did former Speaker Nancy Pelosi take part in?
Her husband invested between $1 million and $5 million on Visa when she was Speaker of the House

8. How will the Tea Party and Occupy movements likely respond to this book?
Tea Party and Occupy movements will respond to a kind of generalized outrage toward a system that seems geared to protect the interests of the few

9. What does the author (of the book) say is his main problem with politicians?

The fact that the political elite gets to play by a different set of rules than the rest of us

PARAGRAPHS COMING SOON!!!

2.4 Pork Barrel Legislation!

This article was written by Daniel Stone. It is talking about the Tea Party and why they are upset about the budget. It also talks about the pork projects being requested by House leaders and other Representatives. It also shows how some of the GOP candidates are using pork barrel and trying to cut the bdget at the same time. Basically, the whole thing is abut how on the outside, most of the Tea Party congressmen want to cut the spending but privately want more spending in their constituency

1. If Eric Cantor is the House Majority Leader, what is he supposed to do?
 He is supposed to help the Speaker of the House and lead his party in the House of representatives.

2. Why would Cantor recommend cutting a high speed rail program in Nevada, but not similar programs in Virginia?
Because his constituency is in Virginia
3. Why would voters be disappointed in these Tea Party members?
Because the members of the House have to simultaneously help thier constituents and do work in Washington, and the Tea Party members are upset that the budget isnt being cut.

4. What evidence do you have that even House leadership asks for pork projects?
Both John Boehner (The Speaker of the House) and Darrell Issa (The Oversight and Government Reform Committee chairman) both asked for pork projects.

5. Why would Congressmen call out members of their own party for asking for pork projects?
Because pork projects have nothing to do with the party as a whole. Pork projects are for a Congressman's constituency.

6. Ron Paul is a Libertarian. Why is it surprising to find him asking for pork?
because he is a very far right person, he believes that all spending should be cut and asking for pork projects is a direct contradiction of that belief.

7. What did Republicans say publicly about Obama's stimulus package? What are they doing privately?
Republicans are outwardly opposed to the stimulus package but are orivately happy about it because they can can put it in their constituency.

8. How do you think these Congressmen's constituency would feel about them for their actions?
 It's kind of a "does this out weigh that?" thing. They are not acting on their beliefs but they are benefiting from it.

2.3 Congress and Potential Policies

The article is written by Chris Good. Good talks about the GOP candidates and why their plans wouldn't work or only have a slight chance of working. It also talks about the discord in Congress and how unwilling all parties are to work together to pass laws that would actually do the country some good instead of run it into the ground. Especially in the Senate where the Democrats have the mojority. At the end of the article there is a slideshow of the GOP candidates's plans and why they would never work or only have a slight chance of working.

1 . Why aren't the candidates talking about the likelihood of their programs being passed?

the conversation exists in a space of ideas, not execution

2. Why doesn't a presidential election really change the direction of the country?

 presidents have to reckon with Congress so our nation's laws depend on the agreement of 535 people who can't agree on anything

3. How many Senate seats will be up for election in 2012?

33

4. How many could actually change hands?

11

5. Why would the Democrats still be able to block legislation with only 43 seats in the Senate?

Democrats would be unwilling to compromise

6. How could Rick Perry drastically change the future of social security?

allow younger citizens to opt for personal retirement accounts instead of Social Security

7. Why do you think Rick Perry and Herman Cain's plans are more popular than Mitt Romney's 87 page plan?

they offer flat taxes

8. Almost everyone wants to get rid of Obama's health care plan. Why do you think it will or won't be repealed?
Obamacare can only be repealed if the Republicans can get more than 60 Senate seats and keep their House majoity. Even then it will still be tricky because people refuse to acknowledge that Obamacare is socialist medicine

9. Why do people dislike Herman Cain's "9-9-9 plan"?

it is considered "regressive," in that it would give a greater break to higher incomes and potentially raise the burden on the lowest incomes

10. OOOH!!! Which Republican clown is your favorite? Why??

Ron Paul because he has two first names

2.2 Repuplicans and Chris Christie

 This column was written by Thomas L. Friedman.  He writes about the country's upcomming election and how Chris Christie has decided not to run.  He also mentions a Grand Bargain and tells us that it needs to happen.  Friedman has also atated his opinion about the presidential race and said that both the far left and far right would do serious damage to the country.

1. How does Friedman feel about Republican taxing and spending policies?

Friedman feels that Republican taxing and spending policies are a danger to themselves and the nation

2. What would the Grand Bargain be?
a budget deal that involved $10 in spending cuts for every $1 in tax increases

3. What are the implications of lower government spending for the future?
the implications of lower govt spending for the future is lower taxes on the people

4. What are the implications of refusing to raise taxes for the future?
a high and rising commitment to future taxes

5. What has been Obama's response to the Republican plan?
Obama's response to the Republican plan is to shift back to his weak fiscale plan
6. Is that a good repsonse leading up to an election?

its is not a good response leading up to an election because it is making him look bad as President

7. What was the Simpson - Bowles deficit reduction plan?
the Simpson-Bowles reduce the deficit by raising tax revenues, cutting defense and increasing the age at which people would qualify for Social Security and Medicare.

8. Which groups is this likely to anger?
Democrates

9. Because Obama has not embraced the bargain, what opportunities do Republicans have?
Republican's have the oppertunity to gain the presidency

10. Why was Christie so appealing for the general election?
Christie was appealing fot the general election because he would have pushed Obama back to appealing to the Moderate crowd

11. How does Friedman say that the race has changed because there's no Christie and Obama has a new approach?
The race has changed because there is no Christie because and the race has become between the far left and the far right with no middle ground

12. How would you describe Friedman's political views based on the article?

I would describe Friendman as a moderate that leans toward Democratic policies

2.1 Occupy Wall Street

Occupy Wall Street is a movement that is spreading fast in cities. It has started recently but it is already struggling to maintain its focus and identity. The future of Occupy Wall Street as a political force may well depend on how well it conveys its message and mission. The group says they cannot wait any longer and let corporate greed and corrupt politics run the nation. The group calls themselves "The 99%." This means that 40% of the nations wealth is in the  hands of the richest 1% of the population.

1. Why might Occupy Wall Street struggle as a movement as it grows in size?

It's a new movement and not well know and have crazy ideologies

2. What does OWS mean by "We Are the 99 Percent"?

The richest 1 percent own 40 percent of the nations wealth so what OWS means is that they are the other 99 percent that own and share the remaining 60 percent of the wealth

3. Which type of interest group tactic would this rally be?

the type of interest group tactice this rally would be is grassroots/ mass moblization also called going public they are trying to be see and heard

4. What problems are the major parties having with these splinter groups within their bases?
They are taking the media's attention from the major parties

5. What is Occupy Wall Street's problem with Obama?

OWS's problem with Obama is that he is being run by big business and needs to show the govt. that the people aren't going to wait any longer for change

6. What changes would Occupy Wall Street like to see in the government?

 to not  let corporate greed and corrupt politics set the policies of our nation

7. What do you think are its chances as a movement, and why?

I think that OWS's chances as a movement are good they arrived at an oppertune time and have the ability to become successful just as the Tea Party has began to do

Transformative Presidents

Wanted: The New Messiah was written by Andrew Romano and published on October 3, 2011.


1. What advantages would Christie have in the general election as a Republican governor of New Jersey?
Christie would have the advantage of alreadying having citzen approval in the general election as a Republican governor of New Jersey

2. What reason is given for voters' dissatisfaction with the current crop of nominees?
they showed the slightest earthly imperfection and were deemed unreliable

3. What situations did FDR and Reagan inherit when they came to office?
economic crisis

4. How did both FDR and Reagan distance themselves from the administrations they replaced?
they cutthe knot raised a new standard and promised to restore American government to the truths that had inspired it

5. What were FDR's notable achievements?
His New Deal

6. What were Reagan's?
stubborn script about the causes and cures for Carter-era malais

7. How did Reagan get credit for the economic recovery from the 1980's and do you think Barack Obama is doing the same thing?
Reagan gets credit for economifc recovery because he kept harping on his reconstructive storyline (tax cuts = growth), which provided the public with a more intuitive explanation, I think Obama is attempting to the the same thing

8. How are Obama's accomplishments in his first term different from these reconstructive presidents?

9. Why is Obama's approach bad for his current situation?

Political Parties and Safe Districts

How the Democrat's Lost a Stronghold was written by Jacob Albert, Emily Atkin, Fausto Giovanny Pinto, and Matthew Deluca and was posted on September 14, 2011. The column records how the Demorats lost a seat they had held in Congress to a Republican candidate. The authors give an account of how unusual it is for a Republican to win the seat by stating that the last time a Republican won the same seat was in 1920. The column ends with an account of how the seat may be dropped in the 2012 redistricting of New York.

Th authors give an account of how New York has a 3 to 1 Demoract Republican ratio. Demorcates have resented the actions of the party and showed it in the election of Senator Anthony Weiner's replacement.
Republican's should have never been able to take the seat from a Democrat.

1. Joe Crowly is in charge of the Democratic Party in Queens, New York, but he is a Representative for a district in Virginia. Why might he be campaigning for candidates in New York?
Joe Crowly might be campaigning for candidates in New York because the House Seat vacated by Anthony Weiner was a seat held by Queens Democrats for 90 years.

2. What are some possible explanations for the lack of turnout among Democratic voters and volunteers?
The Democatic voters and volunteers possibly failed to turnout for the elections because of indifference and a lack of confidence in their party.

3. The article mentions unions pumping money and workers into campaigns, which way do labor unions usually lean?
Labor unions usually lean Democratic

4. Why would labor unions want to support a candidate for the House?
Labor Unions want to support a candidate for the House because they want to influence policy and if the help a candiate into office they feel they are more likely to get what they want
5. How does Weiner's resignation illustrate some problems with federalism?

It illistrates a problem with federalism in that the people can vote out of resentment and not on who is better suited to represent them
6. If people are saying that this is a defeat for Obama, what type of voting decision do you think 9th district voters made?

If people say that this is a defeat for Obama, the voting decision made by the 9th district was to replace the representative in the House with a Republican.

7. What important roles does Crowly have?
Crowly is the highest ranking New York Democrat and the biggest fundraiser for the congressional party
8. Why is it so unbelievable that a Republican won in this district?

Democrats out number Republican's three to one

9. What has happened if they are talking about eliminating the district? (hint: think about the purpose of the Census)
The state of New York was redistricted  based on it's population after the Census.

My Personal Political Ideology

1. 1.Taxes: Do you feel like people should pay more taxes to support more programs, or less taxes so that people keep more of their own money? I believe that people should pay more taxes to support more programs because you never know when you might need to take advantage of  a program such as medicare or food stamps. 
2.  Spending: Do you feel like the government should spend a lot of money on programs or that the government should cut its spending to pay off its debt? I feel that the government should cut spending to pay off its debt because once our debts are payed of we will be able to spend our own money on programs and not need to continue to raise the debt ceiling.
3. Military: Do you believe that the US should spend lots of money on its military and maintain a large presence in other countries around the world or that they should stay out of foreign affairs and have a smaller military?  I believe that the US should spend less money on the millitary and stay of of foreign affairs because those are the problems of other countries and we need not get involved unless it directly affects the US.
4. Welfare: Do you think that the government should help those who are less fortunate by providing them with financial assistance or that those people should find a way to help themselves without using other people’s tax money? I think that the government should help those who are less fortunate by providing them with financial assistance because I believe that the problems in this country would be alot less if the poverty level was lower than it currently exists.
5. Gun Rights: Do you think that every person should have unrestricted rights to own guns and take them where they want to or do you think that the government should put more restrictions on people’s right to own a gun? I think that the govenment should put more restrictions on people's right to own a gun because if people had unresticted rights to own guns then there would be alot more chaos and anarchy in the streets of the US.
6. Homosexual Rights: Do you think that the government should make sure that homosexuals are not discriminated against, including the right to marry whoever they want to, or do you think that the government should stay out of this issue and people should be allowed to discriminate against homosexuals and even ban homosexual marriage?  I thinks that the government should make sure that homosexuals are not discriminated against, includinf the right to marry whoever they want to because the government protects against discrimination against minorities, gender, and age. Why should the rights of homosexuals be any different? 
7. Prayer in schools: Do you think that there should be prayer in schools at things like sporting events, assemblies, graduations, or over the intercom, or do you think there should be no prayer in schools at all so as not to make people with different religious beliefs uncomfortable? I think that there should be no prayer in schools at all so as not to make people with different religious beliefs uncomfortable because the US is a nation with a seperation of church and freedom of religion.
8. Abortions: Do you believe that a woman should have the right to choose to terminate a pregnancy if she does not want to have a baby, or that abortions should be illegal because an unborn baby’s rights should be protected? I believe that a woment should have the right to choose to terminate a pregnanct if she does not want to have a baby because  if the woman was raped she does not need a constant reminder of that terrible event with her for the next 18 years, and if she is in an unstable place in her life she should be able to decide whether or not to bring a baby into the world at the time.
9. War on Drugs: Do you believe that the government should do everything in its power to stop the trafficking of illegal drugs by severely punishing those who posses or sell them, or do you think that drug use is a “victimless crime” and that the government should focus on other types of crime? I believe that drug use is a "victimless crime" and that the government should focus on other types of crime, the government is not fighting a war on alcoholism so the government should be focusing their efforts on more serious crimes.
10.  Rights of the Accused: Do you think that accused criminals should be able to appeal their convictions and possibly go free if there were problems in their prosecution, or that the courts already do too much to let people off the hook on technicalities? I think that accused criminals should be able to appeal their cinvictions and possibly go free if there are problems in their prosecutions because there are to many cases in which innocent people are sitting in prison on multiple life sentences or on death row for crimes they did not commit.
11. Rights of Accused Terrorists: Do you think that people accused of being terrorist have the same rights as US citizens and should be given fair trails and protected from things like torture, or do you think that the US should do all that it can to stop terrorism everywhere in the world? I think that people accused of being terrorists should have the same rights as US citizens and should be given fair trials ans protected from things like torture because they are "accused" and just like American citizens they should be givin the same rights as the accused and be prosumed innosent until proven guilty.
12. Which of the two main ideologies do you think best describes your political beliefs? Of the two main idologies I believe that Liberal best describes my political beliefs.
13. What is the main source of most of the political beliefs that you have described? The main source of most of the political beliefs that I have described has been school.

Obama & Public Opinion

Obama's Bad Friday was written by Daniel Stone and posted on September 2, 2011. The column records how the White House administration released a series of bad reports on a holiday weekend. Daniel Stone gives an account of the how the administration's effort to pivot the jobs agenda. The column ends with a quote from political scientist Larry Sabato who is sceptical of how a speech and a tour can help Obama pivot. The article is Daniel's personal interpretation of Obama's main agenda.

Daniel Stone's column gives us an explanation an explanation as to why the Obama administration would give bad news on a Friday before a holiday weekend. He quotes Sabato as saying "It has to be real news to reinvent himself," meaning that the job piviot may not be enough to get the Obama administration back in the good graces of the American people. Republican's are using the Obama administration's mistakes as their main focus to appeal to Obama's disappointed fan base.

1. What bad news did the Obama administration release to the media on Friday

That there had been zero job growth, and that he planed to scale back on on administration regulation of the Ozone

2. Why would they do that right before a holiday weekend?

They would do that right before a holiday weekend because people would be less likely to pay attention

3. What will keep the public from focusing on the Obama administration's problems this week?

9/11 commemorations and the GOP presidential debate

4. What is the top item on Obama's agenda currently?

Obama's agenda are currently to jumpstart his stalled presidency and unveil his jobs agenda

5. Explain how this story shows how the Obama administration tries to take control of public opinion so that the media does not control it.

This story shows how the Obama administration tries to take control of public opinion so that the media does ot control it by showing how the Obama administration gave the bad news so that the media would not be able to swing public opinion in disfavor of the Obama administration.

Rick Perry

Rick Perry, Anti-Federalist was written by David Sessions and published on August 18, 2011. The column is a review of Rick Perry's book Fed Up! Our Fight To Save America From Washington. Sessions argues that altho Perry claims to be a Tea Partiest, and be in support of federalism, his arguments state otherwise.

Federalism is the idea that the national and state governments share power's in controling the nation. As a self-proclaimed member of the Tea Party, Perry uses the Federalist Papers to support him, but in his book he is continuously quotes the ideals of the Anti-Federalists.

1. What does Rick Perry think is wrong with the federal government?
that the federal government has abandoned respect for the Constitution

2. What is wrong with the way that Rick Perry is quoting the Federalist Papers?

Perry is quoting all the Anti-Federalist arguments

3. Why would Perry be so supportive of the Tenth Amendment?

Because he is the Gov. of Texas and wants more control in the states

4. Why is Perry's support of Lincoln during the civil war strange?

Perry's support seems strange because Lincoln undermined the constitution frequently during the Civil War

5. What is Perry's biggest problem with the federal government?

6. What criticisms of Bush and Obama does the author make?

that the Bush administration gave the authority to have illegal wiretaps, to hold and torture POWs without charge, and the Obama administration not only has sheiled Bush officials from prosecution but also asserted its power to launch wars without approval

7. What does Perry feel should be at the top of the public agenda?

the defense of freedom

8. What is Perry's attitude toward America's military?

Perry thinks that the government underspends on America's military

9. After reading his book, what does the author end up thinking about Rick Perry?

the author ends up deciding the Rick Perry hates govenment to much to be trusted with it

10. After reading the article, what do you think about Perry's chances of becoming the Republican Party nominee for president?

after reading the article I dont think the Republican Party will want such a misinformed man to be their nominee for president

The Constitution Today

 One Document,Under Seige was written by Richard Stengel and published on Time Magazine's website June 23, 2011.

INTRO:  

1. Which group does Stengel claim has refocused America's attention on the Constitution?
the Tea Party

2. How does he define "constitutional originalists"?
as those who believe the document should be interpreted only as the drafters understood it
3. What does Texas Congressman Ron Paul say the intent of the Constitution is, and how does Stengel counter this statement?
Ron Paul says the intent of the Constitution is to restrain the federal government Stengwl counters by saying that the framers did the opposite and strenthened the center and weakend the states

LIBYA:

4. What does the War Powers Resolution do?
requires the President to withdraw U.S. forces from armed hostilities if Congress has not given its approval within 60 days
5. Why does Barack Obama think this does not apply to the situation in Libya?
does not meet the threshold of hostilities in the legislation
6. How does Stengel explain the War Powers Resolution as a check and balance?
It checks presidental power, but the President seeks to balance by ignoring it
7. Does Congress want to be in charge of committing troops? Why or why not?
No, Congress does not want to be in charge of committing troops but they just do not want the President to do so while making them look impotent

DEBT CEILING:

8. Why would defaulting on our debt have been unconstitutional?
because it goes against the 14th Amendment, Section 4

9. How does the argument over the debt limit usually play out?

the debt ceiling gets raised

OBAMACARE:

10. Why has one district judge declared Obama's Health Care plan unconstitutional?
Never before has Congress required that everyone buy a product from a private company (essentially for life) just for being alive and residing in the United States.
11. Which congressional power allows the government to require us to purchase things?
interstate commerce, and the ability to tax

12. Why does Stengel argue that citizens should be required to buy insurance?
because when someone doesn't have insurance it makes hospital care more expensive

IMMIGRATION:

13. What does the principle of jus soli mean?
means that if you're born within the borders of a country, you're automatically a citizen
14. What part of the constitution makes the US a jus soli nation?
14th Amendment

15. What was the original intent of this part of the constitution?
to establish that former slaves were indeed citizens and entitled to all the rights of citizenship
16. What is the difference between a constitution and a code of laws?
A code of laws has a strict clear meaning; a constitution has broad principles that are unchanging but  accommodate each new generation and circumstance.

Cornel West and Barack Obama

The Black War Over Obama was written by Allison Samuels and published in Newsweek Magazine on August 15, 2011. The column records issues in regards to Cornell West's attacks on President Obama. Samuels also shows how West has gone to the streets with his criticism including the 15-city "poverty bus" tour. The column ends with a quote of Professor Charles Ogletree “This is not about two very brilliant men squashing a beef”, implying that the disaccord of West with Obama will not be allowed to impact the 2012 reelection of Obama. This article is Samuels's personal views in regards to Cornel West turning his back on the man he helped place in office.

Allison Samuels's column on the relationship between Cornel West and Barack Obama gives us an explanation of how the media can play a major role in the election of public officials. She quotes Rev. Otis Moss III as saying that "The negative discussion Dr. West is having can only put more apathy in the hearts of African-Americans and could ultimately cause them to lose more faith in the entire political process, where does which leave us?" It is hard to say how much of an impact might be having on the African-American Community. Samuels states that the President has retained overwhelming support among black voter, but the numbers have drastically decreased from those of 2008. According to Samuels some of the President's allies a truce is near.

1) Obama faces opposition from the Republican Party, but which portion of the public seems the most upset with Obama's performance in office?
The African-Americans
2) What is different about unemployment and foreclosures for African Americans today?
Unemployment is near 17 percent for African-Americans (the national average rate is 9 percent) and 11 percent of black homeowners facing imminent foreclosure
3) What is the "Congressional Black Caucus"?
An organization representing the black members of the United States Congress.
4) What portion of the population does Cornell West think Obama is ignoring?
Those living in poverty
5) What criticisms do members of the African American community have about West's approach?
That he is placing apathy in the hearts African-Americans which is causing them to loose faith in the political system
6) How have perceptions of Barack Obama changed in the African American community?
They don’t believe that Obama's actions have helped the economy
7) Why do some suspect that Cornell West's criticism is not sincere?West and Smiley may have been motivated by a desire for attention and book sales than a genuine concern for the poor.
8) Why is it so important that Barack Obama make amends with Cornel West?
Cornell West is a prominent figure in the African-American community and can sway the votes of the African-American peoples
9) Cornel West is a good example of an "opinion leader". What do you think that means?
I think this means that his opinions often persuade others in to having the same opinions as himself
10) What do you think about West's criticism and approach?
I think that West's criticism and approach is dramatic and uncalled for

Obama & the Debt Ceiling

The President Surrenders was written by Paul Krugman and posted og July 31, 2011. The article records  issues in regards to deal to raise the federal debt ceiling. Krugman also gives an of how a slash in government spending, will depress the economy even further. The article ends with the question "how can American democracy work if whichever party is most prepared to be ruthless, to threaten the nation’s economic security, gets to dictate policy?". This article is Krugman's personal views in the federal debt ceiling.

Paul Krugman's column on the federal debt ceiling gives us an explanation of the plan to raise the debt ceiling and its affects on the already fragile economy. He refers to the spending cuts as being "like medieval doctors who treated the sick by bleeding them, and thereby made them even sicker." The Republican's strive to threaten crisis untill the President surrenders to their policy demands. Krugman states that the President has demonstrated that he cannot stand up to blackmail, and that should be a cause for dismay. According to Krugman the entire American democratic system is being called into question.

1) The federal debt ceiling is legal limit on borrowing by the federal government.
2) America's long term deficit problem is debt.
3) Krugman says "The worst thing you can do in these circumstances is slash government spending, since that will depress the economy even further."
4) I think Krugman says the President surrended because he had the power to disagree and instead gave into the demands of the Republicans.
5) Defense spending is the military budget.
6) The G.O.P stands for Grand Old Party and is the Republican party
7) Krugman's main critisism of how the President handles things is that
8) Medicare is the federal system of health insurance for people over 65 years of age and for certain younger people with disabilities.
9) Krugman's conclusions in the last is that American democracy can not work if policy is contorled by whichever party is willing to be more ruthless.
10) I think that Krugman's political opinions are that he is a Democrat that strongly disagrees with Obama's approach to the deal with raising the debt ceiling.