Issue #2: "Boosting the Minimum"

The United States, home to the world's strongest economy and technological innovation, is also home to more than 37 million people living below the poverty line. Any U.S. family of four whose annual income in 2006 was less than $20,444 is considered poor by the federal government's standards. This makes up 12.6% of all Americans, and more than 17% of American children. Some of the people in this unfortunate group are temporarily stuck in tough economic times, perhaps due to job loss, divorce, etc. However, other people are permanently stuck in their poor economic situation. 3 million of the poorest Americans are employed full time. Although these people work hard and long hours many are paid only minimum wage, which is not enough to support a comfortable living for a family. Before 2007 the minimum wage had not been raised from $5.15 in more than a decade, not keeping up with inflation and cost of living, which enraged many people. This is why there was great support for Democratic efforts to raise the minimum wage to $7.25, which was signed into law by President Bush along with a bill for funding in Iraq. There is still pressure to raise the minimum wage even further. The increase would raise the take-home pay of millions of Americans, and many believe this would allow full-time work­ers who earn minimum wage to rise above the poverty threshold, with the help of the Food Stamp Program and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Supporters argue that this would overall improve the economy since there will be more people with more money to spend, ensuring that businesses would profit. This would counteract the negative effect that businesses would have to spend more to pay employees. They also say that it is unecessary to offer businesses further tax cuts, since they already have had generous tax cuts and more would add to the goverment's deficit. There are of course opponents to an increased minimum wage. These people argue that an increase is counterproductive since it affects few people, many of whome are teens, not families in poverty. Instead businesses will suffer because the cost of doing business will go up, along with prices and job cuts. They recommend leaving the market to let supply and demand determine wages, and use the EITC to combat poverty instead.

It is utterly unjust that good, hard-working people are forced to live below the poverty line. Nobody who works 40 to 60 hour work weeks deserves to live in such dreary conditions. Many people blame the poor for being lazy, but I disagree. People working minimum wage jobs have to work long and hard, and often times in a difficult environment, just to scrape a living for their family. This is by no means lazy. I believe that one of the best ways to beat this cycle of misfortune is to raise the minimum wage. Doing so would raise the standard of living for the hard-working lower class, so that eventually they can lift themselves out by their bootstraps. Any small improvement we can make in standard of living in one generation can benefit the next generation ten fold. If a parent making minimum wage is given the chance to earn more, they can maybe send their children off to a better school and give them better experience so they can succeed. I think that the economy would be only positivly affected by such a measure. Most businesses can afford to give their workers the little bit more they deserve, especially giant corporations like Walmart and McDonalds. Besides, if minimum wage increased at the same rate as CEO salary increases, minimum wage would be over $23. CEOs didn't need or deserve what they have gotten. I think its time we closed the income gap and give the lowest earning workers the raise they deserve.

Minnesota's Senator Amy Klobuchar shares my opinion on this topic. Read this article to learn more: Senator Amy Klobuchar Delivers Senate Floor Speech on the Need for an Increased Minimum Wage

Want to learn more about other jobs and welfare Issues? See these student blogs-
Joe's Blog: Issue #1: All Things Being Unequal
Jon's Blog: Issue #2: Putting Welfare to Work

American hikers to stand trial

Back on July 31, three U.S. hikers, Shane Bauer, Sarah Shourd, and Josh Fattal, were in the midst of a 5-day trek in Kurdistan when they accidentally wandered past an unmarked border into Iran. They were arrested by the Iranian government, and charged with espionage. Now they will be put on trial. According to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says the charges are entirely unfounded, that the Americans and "have absolutely no connection with any kind of action against the Iranian state or governmet." Since the U.S. has had no diplomatic relations with Iran since 1979, Swiss diplomats are applealing for them. Prominent activists, as well as the families of the accused have petitioned the Iranian government for their release. Iranian President Ahmadinejad says he has no control over the case, and that "illegal entry" is a crime in every country.

I am astonished that such a trivial mistake by some innocent hikers could have erupted into such a diplomatic battle. The Iranian government has enough trouble on its plate, especially as the countries of the world already are wary of their dangerous and un-cooperative actions in many other aspects. The nuclear threat from Iran has been looming for quite some time, and negotiations seem to get nowhere, no matter what sanctions and other warnings the U.N. hands down to Iran. This story is a much smaller example of how Iran is ostrasizing itself from the world. I wonder why they have to be so intentionally ornery, especially when it harms their reputation and success in the long run. I only hope that they will see to a just descision in the courts, which is to let these three Americans free. They have obviously done nothing, and holding them is a petty way to insult America. Why can't we all just get along? I hope that these three hikers come out of this ordeal unscathed. If they get jail-time, that is an outrage.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/12/14/iran.hikers/index.html?eref=rss_topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_topstories+%28RSS%3A+Top+Stories%29

U.S. military children arrested in Japan

On Saturday four American teenagers were taken into custody by Tokyo police on charges of attempted murder. All of them are children of U.S. military personnel and are accused of stringing a rope across a road by tieing it to two poles, and causing severe head injury to a 23 year old woman who was then knocked off her motorbike. This incident was reported in October, but there is little explanation for the delayed arrests. This is only one incident of many that have caused tension between the U.S. military prescence in Japan and the residents of the country. Last year a 14 year old girl accused a Marine of rape, but did not pursue charges, and in 1995 a girl was gang-raped by three U.S. military personnell who were found guilty by a Japanese court. Japanese residents also say that crime and noise are disrupptions from the U.S. military.

Until I read this article I was mostly unaware that there even was a U.S. military prescence in Japan. All the media coverage of the military that I see focuses on the Middle East, Afghanistan and Iraq. Japan seems like an incredibly stable and prosperous nation in present times compared to most of the world, so the need for U.S. soldiers to be stationed there seems pointless. It is disheartening to hear of how some people have abused their welcome in this foreign land. When just a few people behave in such a horrible manner abroad, it casts a negative oppinion on the entire country they represent. If our military committs heinous crimes, what opinion will the world have of America? The teens who are accused of this crime are not in the military, but they are the product of the military, so the impact of their actions is not diminished. They're actions were incredibly cruel, reckless, and thoughtless. Did they actually think this was some sort of funny prank? If so, they need some major counseling. I wonder how the legal system in Japan differs from ours here in the U.S. Committing a crime anywhere is horrible, but to do it in a country who is hosting you seems even worse. I wonder how the legal process will play out in this case.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/12/07/japan.us.teens/index.html?eref=rss_topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_topstories+%28RSS%3A+Top+Stories%29

Scores arrested in wildlife poaching raids

Interpol announced on Monday that in an operation targeting the "biggest ever transnational wildlife crime operation in Africa" they arrested more than 100 people and seized more than 2 tons of ivory. The very successful 'Operation Costa' worked across six Eastern African countries with police, wildlife, customs, and national intelligence agencies. The inspections, raids, and arrests took place in markets in these countries. This operation was one of the biggest busts on record, and shows the willingness of law enforcement to defeat wildlife crime. The illegal ivory trade not only harms animals, but has killed many law enforcement officers, threatened citizens with violence, corruption, and negatively impacted the economy.

I have seen many gruesome images of the effects of illegal poaching in Africa. Being an animal lover, it is always hard to hear and see such majestic creatures as elephants reduced to a rotting carcass and some ivory tusks. Hopefully a successful raid like this will help to destroy the ivory trade and poaching business. There must be consequences around the globe for endangering species of animals simply for the sake of greed. Slaughtering an enormous elephant, simply to harvest two tusks and leave the rest is an incredibly inconsiderate and wasteful act. I hope that people who contribute to the ivory trade by purchasing such contraband realize what they are a part of. I think that a far more profitable business would be to invest in the natural beauty of the land and animals of Africa. Protecting these valuable resources will do abundant good for people and the world.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/11/30/kenya.poaching.arrests/index.htmleref=rss_topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_topstories+%28RSS%3A+Top+Stories%29

Father of 'balloon boy' pleads guilty

In a Colorado Court this morning Richard Heene pleaded guilty to the charge of attempting to influence a public servant. The Heene family was brought into the media spotlight in October when a large helium balloon broke free from their yard, and flew high over Colorado. Heene's wife, Mayumi, called 911 saying their 6-year-old son, Falcon, was in the balloon. Rescuers frantically tracked the balloon for 2 hours, and brought it down safely, all this as millions of tv viewers watched on nervously. It turns out that Falcon never was in the balloon, he had been safe at home the whole time, with his parent's knowledge. The Heene parents had planned this as a publicity stunt for weeks "to make their family more marketable for future media interests", even instructing their children on how to lie to authorities. Richard Heene could end up with as much as 90 days in jail, and Mayumi (charged with misdemeanor of false reporting to authorities) could serve 60 days.

One of my biggest pet peeves is stage parents. Parents who tirelessly push their children into the spotlight in order to reap the glory for themselves. The children who are stuck in such a demanding situation never seem to turn out ok. Just look at the lives of former child stars. Drugs, alcohol, depression, rehab, eating disorders, divorce, bankrupcy. These are just a few of the side-affects of a childhood in the spotlight, if you can even call it a childhood. This story about the 'balloon boy' is stage parenting taken to another level. The Heene parents were so desperate for attention that they were willing to fake the near death of one of their children, and willing to corrupt their children by training them to lie to authorities. I can't think of an example of more irresponsible parenting. Obviously not a single thought went into the well being of their children as the Heenes plotted this publicity stunt. I think that after exibiting such direguard for their kids mental and physical health these parent should have their custody revoked. I only hope that Falcon and his siblings can grow up in a safe and loving environment where people actually care about their well-being. Hopefully the destructive actions of their parents haven't already corrupted their futures.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/11/13/balloon.boy.heene/index.html?eref=rss_topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_topstories+%28RSS%3A+Top+Stories%29

Safe to Eat?

America is a country with many health-concious citizens, but even as people try to make healthy eating choices there are growing concerns over the safety of fresh produce and meats in U.S. markets. Food-poisoning epidemics have made headlines many times in the past few years. In 2006 an outbreak of the dangerous E.coli bacteria in bagged spinach killed three people, and made more than 200 others ill. This case is just one of many similar occurances. The increase in food-bourne illnesses can be attributed to several things. First, as more Americans strive towards healthier living they eat greater quantities of raw produce, which is more likely to contain harmful microorganisms which aren't killed without the cooking process. Also, the population demographics of the U.S. are shifting, and a larger percentage of the population is made up of elderly people, who are more at risk from food-bourne toxins. Lastly, agriculture is becoming centralized, and production and packaging are taking place on large scales. Because of this, an outbreak from one area can affect the whole country. Many people believe that the government must reform food safety standards to protect consumers. At the moment the government relies on self-regulation by the industry, and FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to regulate produce, while the U.S. Department of Agriculture strictly regulates meat and poultry. After so many safety breaches in recent times, many Americans have called for the formation of a single government food safety agency. One agency could better enforce more specific rules for growing, handling, and processing fruits and veggies. More funding also is needed to make the agency more effective. Other people however argue that this plan will only raise price of food on consumers, and reverse recent healthy eating trends. They suggest that the best solution is to let the industry self-regulate, because in order for the industry to succeed it must win consumer trust by becoming safer. It can do this better than any government agency. Should the U.S. do more to protect safety of consumers?

I think that food poisoning scares are becoming far to common in this country. Something must be wrong with the current food-regulation system, so something must be changed. There is no question that the government should have very high and very strict standards on producers to ensure that U.S. consumers can shop at grocery stores without fear. Somehow bad products must be prevented or caught before they reach the shelves. I agree that the food industry itself can probably react faster and more effectively than the government to raise safety standards, after all their income depends entirely on consumer trust. So, a certain degree of self-regulation is necessary so that the industry can become better for its own good. At the same time I feel much safer with the knowledge that every food producer is held to the highest standard by a third party. The FDA, Dept. of Agriculture, or one giant government agency should always be closely scrutinizing every detail of the industry. Enforcing regulations and laws, etc. I think that creating one agency would be more efficient in the long run, leaving less loopholes for epidemics to slip through. The possibility that food prices might rise slightly from more responsibility in the food industry is totally worth the lives that could be saved by preventing unsafe foods. The bottom line is we need to make food safe again, catching bad food before its too late. Many politicians share my opinion on this topic, including Senator Gillibrand of New York who recently proposing legislation to eliminate E.coli from the U.S. food system. "E.coli Eradication Act"

To learn about two other health care issues check out:

• Randee's Blog on Comprehensive vs. Incremental Health Care Reform.


• Sarah's Blog on Ensuring Quality Care for Medicare Patients

Teen says he drowned 4-year-old to protect secret, police say

Summary: Raul Castro, a 14 year old boy from California, told police that he drowned his 4 year old neighbor so that he wouldn't tell on him. The young victim, Alex Mercato, had threatened to tell his mother that Castro had molested him. On Friday, Castro lured the boy to his home where he molested him. Mercato tripped, hit his head, and then threatened to tell. When this happened the older boy got nervous, and drowned the toddler in a bathtub. Fresno County has charged Castro as an adult with special circumstances including murder, sodomy, kidnapping and murder of a witness to prevent testimony. In California 14-year-olds aren't eligable for the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole. If found guilty, Castro could get no more than 32 years to life plus 15 years.

Opinion: Sometimes it is hard to fathom the horrible things that take place in our world. This is one such crime that seems too awful to have ever happened. I agree completely with Sarah Wadi when she questions how a boy of just 14 years of age could possibly be so messed up, so mentally unstable, to commit these acts. Middle schoolers are supposed to have lots of their innocence still intact, 14 year olds may be teenagers but they are still very young. What has Raul Castro been exposed to in those years that has caused him to be such a malicious and dangerous person? I usually don't believe that people that younger people should be tried as adults, but in this case I think an exception is possibly needed. If Castro is capable of this thoughtless crime now, what about the future? As Sarah says in her blog, my thoughts are mainly with the poor family of little Alex Mercato. The pain they must feel after losing a child to such a horrific fate must be excruciating.

Sources: Sarah Wadi's blog

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/11/04/california.boy.slaying/index.html

Coroner says 6 women whose bodies were found at home died violently

Summary: In Cleveland, Ohio the bodies of six women were found at the home of Anthony Sowell, a convicted rapist, as police went there to attempt to arrest him on more rape charges. The police did not find Sowell at the home, but instead discovered two bodies in the upstairs of the house, and later found two more in a crawlspace, and two in shallow graves. All the women appear to have been strangled, and their bodies have been in the home anywhere from weeks to years. Police tracked down Sowell on Saturday, and arrested him.

Opinion: This story horrified me, and I am not alone. In her blog, Olivia expressed her shock over the fact that these women have been missing for such a long time, possibly years, and yet nobody launched a search for any of them. I completely agree with her, no one should simply disappear without the police doing their best to locate and save them. That these women slipped through the cracks is disturbing, and strange. Olivia also questioned how a convicted rapist like Sowell, with obvious mental problems, had been released from jail and left unsupervised enough to go on commiting terrible crimes. Stories like this prove that something must be done to change our criminal justice system. This crime was preventable, and should not have gone undiscovered for so long.

Sources:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/10/31/ohio.cleveland.bodies/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Olivia Rice's blog on this topic

Royal pardon for Saudi journalist sentenced to lashes

Summary: On Monday, Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah overturned a criminal court sentence of 60 lashes and a two-year travel ban on female journalist Rosanna al-Yami. She was sentenced for working on a television show which explores social taboos, and aired an episode in which a man bragged about his sex life. Many believe that this pardon is a message from the king to the Saudi justice system that it should stop punishing journalists for excercising freedom of speech, and a sign that he is trying to reform his ultra-conservative country. In Saudi Arabia unrelated men and women aren't allowed to mingle, and pre-marital sex is illegal. This isn't the first time the "king of hearts" has stepped in on the legal system in Saudi Arabia. Last year he pardoned another woman who, although she'd been gang raped, was sentenced to 200 lashes and 2 yrs in prison for being in the prescence of the unrelated men who raped her.

Opinion: The differences between our American culture, and the culture of Saudi Arabia are night and day. Television shows in this country are full of violence, profanity, sex, and more, and hardly anybody bats an eyelash. Meanwhile in the Middle East one show that would hardly be controversial here is the center of an enormous criminal case. I wonder if we had the same sexist, ultra-conservative, anti-freedom of speech, and old-fashioned laws and standards, how many thousands upon thousands of american journalists, tv execs, actors, actresses, and average citizens would be behind bars right now? The social mores and customs in Saudi Arabia are so foreign to me. I am so used to being on an equal plane with males, and having all my freedoms and rights, yet such things are completely unheard of in Saudi Arabia. It seems like they are in a completely different world, or at least a few centuries behind our equal rights, etc. I wonder how long it will be before the Saudi society accepts more 'controversial' ideas, allow complete freedom of speech, and treat men and women as equals. Such time-worn traditions take time to break apart, but this story shows signs of progress. I hope that king Abdullah and others will make even more progress.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/10/27/saudi.king.pardon/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Co-pilot: No sleeping or arguing in cockpit

Summary: On Wednesday night Northwest airlines flight 188 flew past its destination of the Minneapolis/St Paul airport by about 150 miles. While en route from San Diego, California the plane was out of radio contact for 78 minutes, which the National Transportation Safety Board calls unacceptable. By the time contact was restablished, the plane was over Wisconsin. When the co-pilot spoke to CNN on Friday he claimed that neither of the pilots were asleep, and no arguments took place. These have been the two most widely speculated excuses for the mishap. This weekend the voice recorder and flight data recorder in the plane will be analyzed this weekend to determine the real cause. Another statement was released saying that "they were in a heated discussion over airline policy and they lost situational awareness."

Opinion: This story is unbelievable. I don't understand what could ever distract two supposedly competent airplane pilots so much that they would be out of radio contact for over an hour. These people apparantly have no common sense. What is even more disturbing is the fact that these pilots flew so recklessly while responsible for over 150 lives. Of all the professions where responsiblity and awareness are necessary, being an airline pilot is number one. I wonder if these men have forgotten the gravity of their position. One little mistake can cause catastrophe. I feel sorry for the air traffic control tower, the people working there who were trying to get ahold of this plane must have been having heart attacks. I am sure that images of September 11th were going through their minds as this plane flew on obliviously. What else is there to think when a plane overflies its destination, and ignores every plea and order from the control tower? I for one want a detailed explanation for why this happened. The pilots haven't made a legtimate excuse yet. A 'heated discussion' shouldn't make someone forget that they have 150 lives in their hands.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/10/24/airliner.fly.by/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Runaway teen Christian convert must return to Ohio, Judge rules

Summary: On Tuesday a judge ruled that runaway teenager Rifqa Barry be returned to Ohio. She ran away from her home in Colombus in July after she says her father threatened to kill her for converting from Islam to Christianity. She also claimed that her father was pressured by their mosque to 'deal with the problem.' Rifqa originally saught shelter with a minister in Florida, but then was moved to foster care there. Her parents say that they meant their daugther no harm, and that they have no problem with her religion. Law enforcement found no evidence of criminal activity, and the judge ruled she be moved to Ohio once her immigration status is cleared.

Opinion: I haven't been aware of much religious tension, much less religious persecution in this country. On the other hand, I've been living in an area of the country with very little religious diversity, as nearly everybody I know comes from a christian upbringing. Still, I've assumed that even in areas with lots of religious diversity there is plenty of tolerance and acceptance between each sect. This story sounds like something that would come from the Middle East, where some dedicated followers of Islam resort to jihad for warfare. I would hope that a family would never hurt their child simply because they have different beliefs, but stranger things have happened. I hope that through this ordeal people, especially the people directly involved, will become more tolerant and more loving for all religions. Hopefully this ordeal won't tear the family apart, or cause any religious tensions to grow.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/10/14/florida.muslim.convert/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Social Security

Social Security is an entitlement program which was set up in 1935 to combat poverty in the United States. The majority of the people who benefit from Social Security are retired senior citizens, but one third of the recipients are disabled workers, families and spouses of deceased workers, and children. The Social Security system is paid for from income taxes of current workers. Through their working years, people contribute to the fund, and once they retire they recieve a percentage of that income back in the form of Social Security checks. The amount of money coming in through taxes has been more than enough needed to pay all the Social Security benefits, since 1983. However, in the coming decade the number of retirees will sky-rocket as the baby-boomer generation leaves the workforce. There will not be enough younger Americans replacing them in the workforce to fund the Social Security program. The government will be spending more on benefits than it will recieve in payroll taxes by 2017. The only way that this system can provide full benefits to everyone eligible through 2041 is if all the money the government has previously borrowed from the Social Security trust fund is repayed. In this case the system will work, but only 60-80% of promised benefits will be available due to decreased income tax revenue. President Bush saw this upcoming crisis, and proposed that Americans be allowed to put their payroll contributions that would normally go to the Social Security fund into private investment accounts instead. Many rejected this idea, but those who support a major overhaul of the system, like this, believe that big changes are necessary because the government has promised retirees more than it can realistically give them without cutting programs and raising taxes. They say that to save the program either private investment funds, or cutting benefits to only those who desperately need them are necessary. Other people argue that the system can stay strong with just a few small changes, like raising the retirement age, and raising the cap on incomes that can be taxed for Social Security. These advocates point out that this system has brought financial stability to millions, and citizens get out of it what they put into it.
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I believe that the Social Security System is a very good program, which has helped millions of people out of difficult financial times in their lives. The principles that this system is based on, that people both contribute to it, and later benefit from it, are solid. I think that whatever can be done to preserve this system so that it can continue to help more people should be done, which is why I agree with making less drastic changes to this program such as raising the cap on incomes to be taxed by Social Security. I hate to think of my hard-earned money going into the Social Security fund, never to benefit me when I reach retirement age, but if people put their taxes in private investment funds whatever is left of the system will definately fall apart. Either everyone should agree to contribute to the S.S. fund, or everyone should agree not to. If there isn't complete agreement, people are going to lose money. I think that if the cap on taxable incomes is raised, much more money will go into the fund, and if the retirement age is risen, less benefits will have to be paid. The richest people in America can afford to chip in the fund, I think. At the moment these wealthy people are an untapped resource. With their help the system will not run out of money. Our government has the duty of providing a quality of life for its citizens, and if we want to remain as a world leader in standard of living, the Social Security program is a necessary part. Without it millions of people would become subject to poverty. This can't happen.
New York Times Editorial: How to Save Social Security
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Issue #1: War Dollars - Jon Schwegel's blog
Issue #2: Spending What We Can Afford - Olivia Rice's blog

Obama awarded 2009 Nobel Peace Prize

Summary: On Friday, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, President Barack Obama. This honor comes just 8 months into his presidency, and was a big suprise to many people, including the presidents administration. The committee honors him for his "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples." They reject the idea that Obama is being recognized prematurely. He has initiated peace missions to many parts of the globe recently, advocating peace between Isreal and Palestine, and negotiating with Iran and North Korea to end their nuclear programs. This award has many people hoping the conflicts of Afghanistan, and Iraq will be resolved over this. Obama is the fourth U.S. president to recieve this honor, and only the third to do so while in office.

Opinion: I am as suprised as anyone to hear that our President has won this prestidious honor. I had not heard a single rumor that he was even nominated, much less a front runner. I hope that with the confidence, and respect that this award brings him, Obama can be even more successful in his quest to rid the world of nuclear weapons, and bring peace to the Middle East. I somewhat agree with the committee, that this award is not premature. Obama has already overcome so much adversity, and has already made so much progress in world politics, however I think that his best accomplishments still lie in the future. I wonder how this peace award will affect Obama's decisions on the war in Afghanistan. Sending more troops there isn't exactly an action that defines a Nobel peace laureate. Whether or not people support Obama or agree with his beliefs and actions, or whether he deserves this award or not, we should be proud that our president was chosen for this honor. This award is for the American people as much as it is for Obama, because we are the ones who elected him. I hope that petty accusations and bickering will halt enough for everyone to appreciate the good this says about our country. America has finally regained the world's respect.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/10/09/nobel.peace.prize/index.html?eref=rss_politics

Obama presents his first Medal of Honor

Summary: On Thursday President Obama awarded the Medal of Honor to Sgt. 1st class Jared Monti, who lost his life while trying to save his comrade in Afghanistan. This was Obama's first time presenting this honor, the highest award for military valor for members of the military who risk their lives beyond the call of duty. Monti was leading a scouting mission of 16 soldiers in Afghanistan when Taliban fighters confronted them, killing one and wounding another in an instant. Monti risked his life, leaving cover twice to retrieve the soldier, but on his third attempt was killed. Obama: "Do we truly understand the nature of these virtues, to serve and to sacrifice? Jared Monti knew. The Monti family knows. And they know that the actions we honor today were not a passing moment of courage. They were the culmination of a life of character and commitment."

Opinion: This is such a tragic, yet inspiring story. I wish that our soldiers would recieve more recognition like this for the extreme courage and sacrafice that they endure each day for the sake of those of us at home. Yet, it seems that people like Monti are mostly overlooked in the media, and by average Americans. The war in Afghanistan is getting to be very bloody, and I know the government is wrestling with the decision to either send more troops, leave completely, or do nothing. I feel that this war is not benefiting us in any way. It is only causing the deaths of good people like Jared Monti. I think that the sooner we distance ourselves from this war the better, but at the same time I don't want Monti's sacrafice to go to waste.


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32892528/ns/us_news-military/

Ships head for area where airplane debris spotted

Summary: On Tuesday three commercial ships are supposed to arrive at a debris filled area of the Atlantic, which is believed to be related to the Air France airplane that disappeared on Monday. Searchers already found an orange life vest, an airplane seat, and other debris more than 650 miles from the Brazilian coast. The plane encountered turbulence Monday on its flight from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to Paris, France it lost pressure, and made final contact at 2:33 am on Monday. 216 passengers and 12 crew were onboard, including 7 children, a baby, 2 Americans, a member of the Brazilian royal family, and people from dozens of other nations. The pilots wer very experienced, and the plane was modern and 4 years ole. The prospects of finding survivors is very low.

Opinion: This kind of news is always so disheartening. When I first heard about the missing plane, my first instinct was that everything would be ok. I suppose I'm used to the scenarios from movies, or even from the incredible landing in the Hudson River this year. Then reality hits, real life usually doesn't have a happy ending. I still am hoping for some sort of miracle, for at least one survivor, but its so unlikely. This is a kind of tragidy that affects the whole world. The people on that airplane were from dozens of countries, each person had countless relatives and friends. The deaths of  228 people impact hundreds, or thousands of other people. Besides that I am sure that many people will be terrified to fly. Knowing that 'driving is safer than flying' really isn't too much of a comfort. I'll be listnening for any new developments in this horrible story.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/06/02/brazil.france.plane.missing/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Convicted killler beheaded, put on display in Saudi Arabia

Summary: On Friday convicted killer Ahmed Al-Shamlani Al-Anzi was beheaded by Saudi Arabian officials who then put the body on public display despite harsh criticism from Amnesty International.  Al-Anzi had been sentenced to death and 'crucifixion' after being found guilty for kidnapping and killing an 11 year old boy and his father. Government officials in Saudi Arabia publically display excecuted bodies as a tool to scare people from committing similar crimes. After the beheading the head of the criminal is sewn to the body, and the corpse is mounted onto a pole, and displayed for hours. Amnesty International denounced Saudi Arabias extensive use of the death penalty. Last year alone there were 102 executions, and it is thought that more than 136 people are awaiting execution. Often trail proceedings are unfair, without adequate legal representation, and may involve torture.  Amnesty says that Saudi Arabia cannot play a role as a world leader or member of the G-20 if they continue in the same path.

Opinion: I cannot believe that in this day and age there are still countries who use such horrific execution methods as beheading, and worse, who still terrorize their citizens through public displays of corpses. I was under the impression that in these modern times there was such a thing as decency, empathy, and basic human rights. The times of the ancient Romans, when blood-thirsty citizens would gleefully watch gladiators fight to the death, is long gone, or at least it should be. In this country there is so much controversy over lethal injection, yet no one pays attention to the attrocities taking place in places like Saudi Arabia. In my opinion the death penalty should be completely banned. It is cruel and unusual punishment no matter how it comes about. I think that criminals would pay the price for their crimes more effectively if they have to live out the rest of their lives in a prison cell. This way they have to live with what they have done, they don't get the easy way out. I hope that one day we won't have to hear about stories like these anymore, because they just won't exist. I hope that our world can overcome this animalistic violence. 

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/05/30/saudi.arabia.execution/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Mother, son missing in forced chemotherapy case

Summary: Daniel Hauser, a 13 year old boy who is refusing his treatment for his cancer, and his mother Colleen Hauser went missing before they were supposed to appear in court over forced chemotherapy treatment. The boy was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma in January, and the first round of chemotherapy went well but his parents were troubled by the physical side effects, and they believed that it was a form of torture. They rejected further treatment and began holistic medical treatment based upon Native American healing practices called Nemenhah. Meanwhile the cancer is worsening, and so are Daniel's chances of survival. A Minnesota judge issued an arrest warrant for Colleen Hauser. The boys father says he doesn't know where they have gone.

Opinion: This story really makes me sad. As all this trouble has developed, the treatments, the lawsuits, the fighting, the media attention, etc. this boy Daniel Hauser has been getting sicker and sicker. As everyone is distracted by the twists to the story, and new developments, etc. his tumor continues to get bigger and bigger. I simply hope that Daniels parents, his mother especially, will realize that she is taking her son farther and farther away from being healthy. By running away with him she is severely decreasing the chances of a healthy recovery. This whole case comes down to ethics. Do you let a patient and their family decide what treatment they want, even if that treatment will do no good? In this case, I think that doctors and other medical experts have the right to overrule the family judgment to treat Daniel. It doesn't appear that the knowledge that Daniel and his family have is enough to ensure a safe decision. My heart aches for this family. I know several families that have been affected by childhood cancer, and I know that the pain that it causes can be emense. I also know how difficult it is for a family to watch a child go through chemotherapy. No matter how difficult it is to watch, chemo is one of the best methods for treating cancer. I hope that Daniel and his mother will come back home soon so that he can get better and have a chance at living life. 

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/05/19/minnesota.forced.chemo/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

120 degrees + 150 miles - toilet = fun

Summary: People from across the world will run 150 miles in 6 days across Namibia in Africa. They have to endure 120 degree heat, pain, limited food and water, and lack of privacy throughout. The course is difficult yet friendships and romances still form. This is a new form of race, and the company who has organized it also organized other similar races in the Sahara desert, the Gobi desert, and in a Chilean desert. Only those who successfully complete all these races can participate in a walk across Antarctica.

Opinion: I am probably not the only person who considers these athletes crazy. Their definition of fun is nowhere near mine. In my opinion 'fun' is care-free, exciting, delightful, adventurous, and, well, fun! I guess for these runners 'fun' is adventurous, but also excruciatingly painful, exhausting, tiring, and other things I don't even want to think about. I admire them for their courage, endurance, determination, and athleticism, but really isn't one marathon in a normal climate hard enough? Or 9 marathhons in regular climate? What inspired people to run a marathon in the desert in the first place? Doesn't that go against every basic instinct in the human body? I guess as the civilized world expands from continent to continent, nothing seems too difficult. The world is shrinking, and people can do all sorts of crazy things across the globe. People can run marathons in what used to be the great unknown wilderness. I think that the exlporers of our past, Magellan, Columbus, Ponce de Leon, would be proud. 

http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/05/11/namibia.race/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Scientists chasing killer tornadoes across Midwest

Summary: The largest field experiment to study tornadoes ever began on Sunday and will go until June 13. The $11.9 million program is called V2 or VORTEX 2 and more than 100 scientists from across the country will chase supercells from South Dakota to Texas to study how and why twisters form. They surround storms with radar, weather balloons, and computer programs to understand how and why they work. Just on Wednesday violent storms killed three people in Missouri. The goal of V2 is to improve their understanding of tornadoes so that residents can be warned more quickly and fewer lives will be lost. Their dangerous journey will be followed by video cameras.

Opinion: I had no idea that there is still so much we don't know about tornadoes, even with all the advanced technology that we have today. I guess that even the best human technology is still no match for the huge and dangerous force of nature. I think it would be amazing to follow these scientists for awhile, it must be incredibly boring just waiting for storms to come, but incredibly intense when they do come. I used to have a big fear of tornadoes, especially since we live in the midwest, tornadoe alley, but if these scientists are successful hopefully our towns will always be prepared for storms. If we know everything there is to know about tornadoes, they can't suprise us anymore, and residents will be ready. The price tag of almost $12 million seems pretty large, but if it means that no more lives will be lost, it is worth it.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/05/14/vortex2.tornado.chasers/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

photo:http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090406_tornado.html

Lost boys of Swat flee for their lives as fighting rages

Summary: Last Friday 20 boys escaped their orphanage as it ended up on the front-line of the Pakistani government's war with the Taliban. When fighting began in the Swat valley Pakistani soldiers used the orphanage as a look-out, and planted landmines in the playground. Later the Taliban, surrounded the building, with more than 50 orphans inside. 20 of them managed to escape on the roof of a bus which they rode for many hours, then hitched a ride on a vegetable truck. They arrived in Peshawar where they are safe and recieving counseling. The boys have witnessed much violence in their lives, sucide bombers being the worst. Many are angry with the Taliban, some are in favor. The other 24 orphans escaped the orphanage by foot, walking more than 20 miles before finding transportation, but one was left behind.

Opinion: Of all the negative affects that war brings, I believe the worst one is the affect it makes on children. Once an innocent child witnesses violence and destruction they will never be the same, it will most likely haunt them the rest of their lives. What is the cost of this? The next generations in the middle east will be scarred, their feelings of hurt, anger, and hate cannot easily be erased. How can peace be made if no one there knows what peace is? Violence is a part of their life, it is something they've always known. This is one of the most tragic things I know of. What is worst is that there is no legitimate explanation or reason to why this tragidy has to occur. I don't think that any conflict is worth the suffering that will ensue. I understand that war is a fact of life, no matter how much people want it world peace is far from happening. But I wish that in war people could at least have the decency to spare children of the horror. Children are helpless, and they should not have to pay in any way fort the mistakes their parents have made. I hope that these orphans can rise above the violence that they have lived through and fight for change in their country with words, not guns. They of all people should understand that violence solves nothing.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/05/11/orphans.swat.taliban.pakistan/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Body fits description of former UGA professor, police say

Summary: A body which police found in woods near Athens, Georgia meets the description of George Zinkhan, who is accused of shooting his wife and two others to death on April 25.  The former professor of marketing at the University of Georgia drove to a community theater where his wife was at a picnic, and the two got in an argument. He returned to his car, where his two children were, got two handguns, and returned to the theater killing three and wounding two. He left his children with neighbors and then disappeared. The body was found concealed, and will be identified this week. 

Opinion: I can't understand what could compel this seemingly decent, down to earth, and intelligent person to commit murder. There must be much more to this story than meets the eye. A family made up of a college professor, a lawyer, and two young children is the last family I would ever expect to be torn apart by murder. There are so many unanswered questions to this tragic event that probably can't or won't be answered. The only logical explanation I can think of is mental illness. George Zinkhan must have had a lot more going on under the surface, maybe bi-polar disorder or schizophrenia. Ordinary people don't randomly pull out a gun and go out on a murderous rampage. What was he thinking? What triggered his anger? I think the most troubling thing of all is that because of his actions he left his two children orphaned. I feel horrible for those kids, their world was completely torn apart. Hopefully they can get help so they can lead normal and happy lives, but it will be a long journey. 

Senate report: Rice, Cheney OK'd CIA use of waterboarding

A new Senate intelligence report shows that Dick Cheney, Condoleeza Rice, and other top Bush officials approved the use of waterboarding by the CIA in 2002. President Obama has banned waterboarding, a interrogation technique which simulates drowning, and classified it as torture. In 2002 Rice approved the waterboarding of several top terror suspects, and the Justice Department deemed it lawful. One memo shows the CIA used waterboarding on its top two suspects over 266 times. Cheney continues to stand by the Bush administrations waterboarding, saying that the "alternative interrogation methods" were successful, and gained a wealth of information.

Opinion: I firmly believe that waterboarding is a form of torture, no matter how torture is defined. It sickens me how the government adjusts the meaning of 'torture' whenever it benefits them. Waterboarding, although not lethal, causes tremendous mental pain, and physical pain. It terrorizes victims to the point of panic. Torture is torture. The excuse Cheney uses, that waterboarding is worth the information it gives the government, is bogus. I doubt the legitimacy of any information which is gained under torturous circumstances. When a person is brought to the point of near death, they will say anything, true or false, to save themselves. The prisoners know what their 'interrogators' want to hear, and they can spin as many lies as they want to escape the pain. How does one know if the information they are getting from a terrorist is real or phony, especially if it is during torture? I am relieved that the Bush administration is out of the White House so that our country will no longer be disgraced by this embarassing human rights violation. If it were any other country doing this, the world (including the U.S.) would have cracked down on them, and punished them. We are too powerful to see our own faults sometimes.
http://edition.cnn.hu/2009/CRIME/05/09/georgia.professor.shooting/index.html

Residents race to fill sandbags as flooding threatens North Dakota

Up to 6,000 homes are threatened by dangerous flood waters from the Red River in Fargo, ND.
Officials say they need about 1.5 million sandbags to stem the devestating floods. The river is expected to crest over 40 feet (flood stage is 17ft) this week, and rain over the next days will determine how bad it will be. The National Guard and FEMA have come to help, as well as many volunteers and residents. The record flood (40.1 ft) occured in 1897, but in 1997 and 2001 similarily bad flooding occured.

I completely agree with Lauren that the huge effort from our state to North Dakota to help fight the floods shows 'Minnesota Nice' is alive and well. Even though we are lucky enough to live in a town that is staying relatively dry, dozens of highschoolers devoted a day to save a strangers home. It is true that times of crisis and tragedy create community, and generosity. There is always something good that comes out of something bad, you just have to look a little harder to find it. Hopefully all the hard work of volunteers working around the clock will be enough to save thousands of homes and businesses. I still hear horrible stories from the flood of 1997, and I think everyone is hoping we can avoid the same outcome. It makes me glad to see how people can come together to help each other out, whether it benefits themself or not. Its good to know that if we ever find ourselves in a catastrophe there are always good people ready and eager to help.

http://www.current-events-lauren.blogspot.com/

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/03/26/marshal.killed/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Tents on wheels give homeless people roof and pride

EDAR (Everyone Deserves A Roof) is a new organization in L.A. which is distributing 7ft canvas living spaces to the homeless. After listening and talking to 62 homeless the founder held a design contest to develop the units. The homes have an expandable base that stays off the ground, four wheels, and are covered by a water and flame resistant canvas, with a mattress and sleepingbag inside. The EDAR method is much less inexpensive than building permanent shelters, and is a great way to get homeless men, women, and children off of the damp concrete, and give them privacy and health. Soon land and bathrooms may be provided for families. The 'hobo condos' are a stepping stone to getting people off the streets, and gives the people hope and pride.

Opinion: This idea is brilliant, and so is the person who thought of it. I love cities, but whenever I drive through one the sight of a homeless person on the side of the road makes me so sad. I disagree with anyone who says these people deserve what they got. There is a sad story behind every person on the street, and they deserve a chance just like anybody else. When people think of 'the homeless' a picture of a bearded hobo usually pops into thier head. In reality the old and kids, men and women, and even people in little Alexandria are homeless. As I said, everyone deserves a chance. The founder of EDAR apparantly has the same philosophy as me, and with a little work he has changed 60 lives for the better. A person without a home, a job, a family, or a hope can finally get a little comfort and peace from an EDAR, and maybe get their life on track. With the economy the way it is today who would have expected the homelessness situation to actually have more hope?
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflife/03/10/homeless.tents/index.html?eref=rss_topstories#cnnSTCVideo

Obama's other gray matter

Summary: After six weeks as president Obama already has more gray hair. The stresses of our economy and wars, and the 750 days since he began campaigning for president have caused this. At one point during the election battle it came so rapidly people accused him of dying it (his long time barber denies this). Scientists believe the buildup of hydrogen peroxide blocks pigment from reaching hair follicles (high stress affects the follicles). Former president Bush blamed his gray on his teen daughters, not the presidency. Obama's barber says that he isn't much grayer Inaguration Day saying, "I don't think we should worry about it that much. It hasn't affected his basketball game. He can still shoot some hoops."

Opinion: I've heard it said that one year of being president is equal to aging three years. I don't know if that's true, but one look at a before and after shot of Bush is hard to argue with. It really isn't suprising that the presidency would have a physical toll, there really isn't a more stressful job. One false move and you go down in the history books as a failure. Thas is one job which I won't apply for, no matter how bad the economy is. It is insane two years ago Obama started campaigning! At this rate it looks like the campaign for 2012 elections will start in just months. No suprise that this whole application process for Commander and Chief caused some graying. But really is it anyone's business whether or not this man dyes his hair? It's pretty trivial. Last time I checked hair color couldn't fix this messed up economy, bring peace to the middle east, or create bipartisianship. I just hope that Obama can do his job well, and keep good health while he does it.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29524174/

Clinton: Iran stirring division in Arab world

On Wednesday Secretary of State Clinton accused the leaders of Iran of creating divisions in the Middle East, promoting terrorism, and attempting to intimidate many countries . She said many foreign ministers worry over Iranian threats, which intend to interfere with international affairs and keep funding terrorism. Supreme Iranian leader Khamenei said Obama is making a mistake by supporting Israel. Its difficult for Obama to improve relations with Iran (the U.S. stopped diplomatic relations with them 30yrs ago), but Clinton says he is open to talks. Iran's nuclear program, which is believed to be intended to make weapons, concerns the U.S. even though Iran claims the program is only for energy production. Iranian president Ahmadinejad will only talk to the U.S. if they stop accusations of nuclear weapons and terrorism. This explains why Clinton says "attempts to reach out to Iran have been unsuccessful."

I think the distrust and stubborness of Iran is quite frightnening. We seem to be between a rock and a hard place on this issue. According to Iranian leaders the only way to talk peacefully with them is to take back our accusations that they fund terrorism and have nuclear weapons. Well, those two issues are the reason we desperately need to talk to them in the first place. There is no way that we can simply pardon them of these very serious and frightening possibilities. I personally can't see a way to get around this. Even though both the U.S. and Iran say they are open to talks, it doesn't seem likely to ever happen. It seems like the problems in the Middle East are endless. Iraq, Afganistan, the Gaza Strip, Israel, and Iran are all hot spots for violence and tension. I remain hopeful that one day leaders will be elected into these countries who aren't so set into these ways. I have heard that there will be an Iranian election sometime this year. If the president of Iran, Ahmadinejad, is put out of office then perhaps we will have possibility of diplomatic relations. As president he has just fueled the flames of hatred towards the west in his country with hateful speeches and bogus statements. It is leaders like him who cause such tension in the Middle East. According to Clinton the U.S. is by no means the only country who is afraid of what Iran can or may do.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29513202/

Obama urges Americans to follow Lincoln

President Obama spoke on Thursday, Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday, calling on Americans to follow Lincoln's example. He said Lincoln didn't seek revenge against confederate soldiers after the war, knowing this was the only way to heal the nation. Obama compared the division in the country then to today, with republicans giving almost no support to the stimulus plan. Obama has given many tributes to Lincoln; he began his campaign in Lincoln's hometown, used the same train-route Lincoln did to the innaguration, using Lincoln's bible, and and more. Both men were great communicators, had independant advisors, were lawyers who served in the Illinois legislature, had short Washington careers, 'inexperienced', and became president. Obama is one of Lincoln's biggest admirers, a black man following in the footsteps of the great emancipator. Some say it's risky for Obama to compare himself to this great man, but today he simply said Lincoln was a man who faced a crisis and succeeded. I don't think Obama could have chosen a more worthy historical icon than Lincoln to try to bring our country together. In my opinion, Lincoln was our greatest president who made the biggest impact on our country. He not only reunited the north and south but also ended the most horrific piece of our past, slavery. It may be that Obama is setting the bar high with comparisons between the two, but I think that by doing this he is giving people hope, and he is setting a precident for himself to be the greatest president he can be. Hope has been the biggest message in his campaign. I wonder how Lincoln would feel, and what he would say, if he could see how far our nation has come since he ended slavery. He never could have imagined that in less that 200yrs a black man would be taking the oath of office on his bible, and that across a grand marble monument to Lincoln himself watched across the mall. I think he would be suprised at the success of the civil rights movement, and honored that all of this success was ultimately due to him. The simularities between Obama and Lincoln are incredible. Without one we wouldn't have the other. I hope Americans and politicians listen to Obama and follow in old honest Abe's footsteps. If history is right, I think following in those footsteps will lead us out of anything, even this recession. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29159686/

"Man accused of Obama threats pleads not guilty"

On Tuesday Timothy Ryan Gutierrez, 20, appeared in court on charges of threatening to kill President Barack Obama and to blow up the Mall of America. He pleaded not guilty to the Colorado grand jury, and was detained without bail. The man had emailed the FBI 8 days before the inaguration saying they had 48 hours to stop him from assasinating the president-elect, and a second email threatened to blow up 40 pounds of dynamite in cars in front of the mall. Gutierrez says this was a prank, and he turned himself in on January 29th in Durango, Colorado.

It is both terrifying and sad that we live in a world full of bomb and death threats, where no one can really with total peace of mind. This man claims that the emails were a 'prank' but in my opinion that is almost as sick as making the real threat. Murder of the president and other innocent people (within our state of Minnesota!) is nothing to joke about, and if he believes this is funny he needs serious help. I have been so excited for Obama to be our president, but since he was elected I continue to hear whispers that since he is black someone is bound to assasinate him. I believe this is a horrible and wrong way to look at this exciting new era in our nations history. Why must people automatically be so pessimistic? Why can't we believe in the deep-down good nature of people? The answer to that question lies with people like Mr. Gutierrez who continue setting a horrible precident for the good of humanity. I hope that this man will get the help he needs, and is stopped from causing any more chaos. I also sincerely hope that the safety of our new president and our contry is kept secure from the likes of him.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29009525/#storyContinued, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28917435/

"House passes Obama economic stimulus plan"

As a part of President Obama's plan to revive the economy, the House approved the historic $819 million dollar economic stimulus plan Wednesday evening. The bill passed 244-188, eleven Democrats and all Republicans voted against it despite Obamas attempt at bi-partisianship. The bill now goes to the Senate where a pricier and more bipartisian measure is forming. Passing the bill is crucial according to many Democrats particularily since the unemployment is at it's highest in 25 years. Republicans argued that the bill contained too much spending, and not enough tax cuts. The bill contains money for job-creating programs like highway construction and mass transit, and for unemployment benefits, healthcare and foodstamps. Billions of dollars will help states to slow cuts on education and law enforcement. Most importantly the bill has $500 tax breaks for single workers and $1000 for couples.

It's safe to say that our country is in some serious economic trouble, and we need to find our way out fast. When many people, myself included, look at the price tag on this bill the only thing they think of is more debt. The trillion dollar national debt is growing deeper by the second already, and who's going to pay that off 30 or 40 years down the line? My generation thats who. Even so, I believe that this bill is entirely necessary. Sitting around wondering if this will be the next great depression is going to get us nowhere. Quick action must be taken, and we have to come to terms with the fact that action is going to have a ginormous pricetag. Besides, I think the people of America deserve a bailout way more than any bank, corporation, or automaker. The middle class is the life and blood of this country. I'm so excited about our new President Barack Obama, and so far he's lived up to my expectations by standing up for these people. It's horrible that he's inherited such a mess of a crisis, and I wish that for once the two parties could join together to get something done for the common good. I think if we give a little more time for the stimulus to kick in, and give jobs and optimism back to people, the future of the economy will be much brighter. Obama is leading us in the right direction.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28891939/