Political Cartoon #4

Political Cartoon-
http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/politicalcartoons/ig/Christmas-Cartoons/Christmas-Grinch-2009.htm

1. This political cartoon was drawn by Joel Pett.
2.This cartoon was publish by the Lexington Herald-Leader.
3. This cartoon deals with the current economy and the war in Afghanistan
4. This cartoons message is a large amount of people in America are affect by the recession. They are jobless and others are greedy. But besides the economy it talks about how there is no peace (war in Afganistan).
5. I do agree with it to some extent as many people are jobless and greedy during the holiday seasons. The no peace is also true because we are still currently in Afganistan and adding on to the troop count. There is no end in sight for the current war..

Question of the Week #4

My favorite holiday, like many others, is Christmas. I enjoy the weather mostly when it snows. Around this time my family and I will take a winter vacation out west to go skiing/snowboarding. On Christmas eve my moms side of the family will come over to eat then we go to a church service at about seven. After the service we eat desert and usually sit in the family room by the fire. After a while the younger group will go to the basement and the adults will stay in the family room. My grandma will stay the night to celebrate Christmas morning. Early on Christmas day we will go down stair and usually my parents are already awake. We will sit in the family room and exchange gifts with eachother. My dad always makes a scavenger hunt which is a big present for my brothers and I. At about lunch time we go to my other grandmas were we meet my dads side of the family. We have a big lunch and spend alot of time down stairs catching up. After lunch the family will exchange gifts and we will all eat desert. Christmas is a perfect holiday where the whole family will spend time with eachother.

Political Cartoon #3

Political Cartoon-
http://politicalcartoons.com/cartoon/47693338-7efc-4b6a-a748-933451d1cccd.html

1. The political cartoon was drawn by Dave Granlund.
2. The cartoon was published on the authors website.
Title- Climate Change and Atlantis Date- 12/13/09
3.This cartoon deals with the global warming issue.
4. The cartoons message is that the government needs to stop ignoring it as portrayed in the cartoon by the people of Atlantis.
5. I do agree with this issue because the government has recently been ignoring the possibility of global warming. I think that the government has a lot of issues that they are currently dealing but this is an issue that need to be put into consideration. Based on all the evidence there is a high chance that our climate is changing.

Question of the Week #3

This issue I believe is argued upon way more than it should be. Most public places should not display religious symbols, like the cross, on public property. American is a diverse country and need to take all religions into consideration. Many Americans from all different religions can be offended if they see a cross or menorah on display. If a public place must put a religious symbol on display it should not be big enough to draw attention. Different regions of the United State may have different preference to what can be put on display. But in practically every region there may be a person who will get offended. I think if public places should put things on display that would not offend anyone like a happy holidays sign. Most places are pretty good about displaying symbol that can relate to everyone. As our country becomes more diverse people have been watching what they put up and most people have tried to relate their display to everyone, not trying to offend others.

Question of the Week #2

The healthcare plan is currently at a standstill. Republicans want to prevent the bill from being passed unless changes are made. They are trying to keep the bill from decreasing funding to medical agencies. Although the Republicans are putting the bill to a stop for right now they are outnumbered by the Democrats. Democrats believe that cutting funds to medical agencies are necessary. I think changes will to be made until Republicans agree to passing the bill. I think the process will take longer than expected, not passing until later months. When the bill is passed changes will need to be made if private companies want to compete. Some believe this may have a negative impact on healthcare coverage while others believe private companies will lower their prices to stay in business. As of now, Americans are waiting to see what changes will be made to the healthcare bill.

Political Cartoon #2

Political Cartoon-http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/barackobama/ig/Barack-Obama-Cartoons/Crashing-Obama-s-Party.0ywm.htm

1. This cartoon was drawn by John Darkow.
2. It was published by Columbia Daily Tribune. Title: Crashing Obama's Party. Date: 11/30/09
3. The cartoons is talking about all the issues obama is dealing with - The Healthcare Crisis, Afghanistan War, and The Economy.
4. All of these issues are "knocking at his door". Each problem is wating to be solved. The Economy is getting better but very slowly, Obama has sent 30,000 troops into the Afghan War and the healthcare plan is still waiting to get through congress.
5. I agree that each of these issues are wating to be resolved. Each one must be carfully looked at before he makes anymore decisions. Obama has been put into a difficult situation right now.

Political Cartoon #1

http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/barackobama/ig/Barack-Obama-Cartoons/If-You-re-In-A-Hole---.0yqj.htm

1. Mike Luckovich drew this political cartoon.
2. This cartoon was published by the Alanta Journal-Constitution.
3. This cartoon deals with the war in Afghanistan.
4. The cartoons message is saying that we should get out of Afghanistan because all that it is doing is causing more American troops to die in the war. According to the cartoon digging more holes to put dead soldiers in. It is also saying America is already in a hole and we should stop digging so we can get out of the hole. Sooner or later it is saying that we might not be able to get out of war.
5. I don't really agree with it because we need to solve the issue on terrorism. I think it is the right thing to do to continue to search and find the problem to terrorism.

Question of the Week #1

Herndon needs a principle with an outgoing principal who helps the school progress academically. Mr Cooper, the short term principal who took place for Mr. Martinez, was a great principal fit for Herndon High School. I heard several positive comments from teachers and students regarding Mr. Coopers attitude and personality. The principal needs to be interactive with the teachers, parents, and especially the students. The new principal should show pride in the school attending events and sports. I feel that the principal needs to be nice, caring, and personable. Like many of the current High School students, we do not want Mr. Cooper to leave. The principal show look at him as a model and show his dedication in his work.

Mr. Bates is said to be the new principal. I think he will be a great principal showing interaction with the students and staff. He has talked with many of the students and knows what we want as a school. He is personable and I have seen him at most of the events at Herndon High. I think he is a suitable principal and he will satisfy the schools needs.

Current Event #6

Washington Post- Sunday, November 1, 2009
Article- States likely to shape health reform

There is a debate whether to let states opt out of any government-run health insurance plan. When Washington is done with the plan, the shape of a new health-care system is likely to be finalized. Besides allowing the states to opt out, their are a multitude of decisions to be made ranging from what benefits are being offered to low-income families and what obstacles to put in front of private insurance companies before they can raise premiums. There are positives and negatives to this issues though. Positive, States are often positioned to reflect the believes of the residents and market conditions. Negative, States can mess up and now meet the minimum requirements. States could let low-income families shop the exchanges or offer them some other kind of coverage. Each state is able to establish their own exchange and decide which insurers have access to the market. Experts are concerned that states will not meet their share of the cost to reform. Some states are well-positioned to manage a new federal program that seeks to cover the uninsured while others are not. Expanding medicaid eligibility to all adults who earn enough, more than the federal poverty level, will dramatically increase the number of people insured.

I think states should have the ability to chose what they will offer. Some states might not have the requirement to support this system. Hopefully they find a way so the postives outweigh the negatives. The government has found a good way to increase the number of people, who are hurting financially, to become eligible to be insured. All states need to work on being able to run this new plan and reach out to the people who really need it.

Question of the Week #6-Media Bias Is Real

Media bias is everywhere and media is usually conservative or liberal. It is hard to see that, in the past, new papers, shows, and radios used to let the viewers come up with their own opinions rather than the media giving them a conservative or liberal opinion to it. I think that the media should try to stay objective or at least let the viewer decide. Now the media tries to influence the viewer rather than showing them mutiple aspects of the issue. The news should show all the different sides and show the flaws to each side. The media now just shows the view their opinion of it and that makes the viewer see only certain aspects of the issue. I think that the media will stay biased and it will not change. I think it is sad that people derive their opinions from just watching TV ; they need to see all the sides of the issue. It is not easy to do, but the media should try to stay unbias.

Current Event #5

Washington Post- Saturday, October 24, 2009
Article- Prognosis improves for public insurance

Democratic leaders in the Senate and House have decide that the government-run insurance plan is the cheapest way to expand health coverage. The shift in momentum is so dramatic that many lawmakers believe that Obama will sign a final bill that includes some form of government-sponsored insurance through the work place. Even Democrats with strong beliefs about expanding government's role in the health-care system say they are reconsidering. They hope that the government should make low-cost plans widely available. Any public plan is likely to have easy and cheaper access to health coverage through an employer to those that are not able to access it. The public option would effectively be just another insurance plan which would be offered on the open market. It would probably be administered by a private insurance provider, charging premiums and copayments just like any other policy. Because a government-run plan would be dedicated to holding down costs and would lack a profit motive, analyist predict that it could reduce that cost of expanding coverage to people who don't have it by as much as $100 billion dollars over the next ten years. House leaders are planning to work to resolve as many individual concerns as possible, with the goal of producing a bill as soon as next week.

This plan seems to be a valid idea. This plan would just be administered by a private insurance which tries to offer other a cheap plan to those that don't have access to one. I hope that this can provide others with a plan which they can afford and able to achieve equal medical coverage. Its about time they came out with some form of health coverage but we will have to see whether it will work and be properly funded.

Editorial- James E. Clyburn (S.C.) said "the debate is no longer whether to include a public option but whether or not we will get this form of a public option or that form of public option"

Question of the Week #5- Handicap the Virginia Governers Race - Who will win and why?

The two governors running are Bob McDonnell(Republican) and Creigh Deeds(Democrat). For the past two terms Virgina has elected a Democratic candidate each time. The lack of change by the democratic governor will lead voters to select a Republican candidate. Bob McDonnell seems be the favorite in this election. Currently polls have placed Bob McDonnell ahead of the Democratic candidate, Deeds. The voters are hoping that a Republican governor will lead Virginia in the right direction, fixing the current transportation problems and fixing the high rate of foreclosures. Although McDonnell is being portrayed as a hard core conservative, I believe he will be chosen as the new governor to see if change in the current political issues will take place.

Question of the Week #4- What is the Biggest Political Issue facing the State of Virginia?

I think the biggest political issue that the state of Virginia should deal with is our Transportation system. Living close the United states capital, we need to find better ways to get people around Virginia as well as in and out of Washington D.C. Virginia has not raised taxes for the public transportation system and therefore we have worn out roads. There will be a big issue facing the governor and whether they support raising taxes to try to improve our roads and transportation. I think Virginia needs a way to improve the metro getting people to and from where they need to go and mantainance should tried to be kept steady without interfering with transportation. I have encountered many of our Herndon roads being repaved but i think that the roads should also be wider to ensure saftey to drivers. Virginia will need to focus on it transportation system and find a better way to efficiently and quickly get people where they need to go.

Current Event #4

Washington Post- Saturday, October 17, 2009
Article- In Shift for Obama, U.S settles On Modulated Policy for Sudan

After a long debate, the Obama administration has settled on a softer approach toward Sudan. United States plans on pursuing peace in the Darfur region and settling the disputes with the government in Southern Sudan. This plan also provides Khartoum with a chance to improve relations with the United States. President Omar Hassan al-Bashir has been blamed for the deaths of more than 300,000 people in the Darfur region and also war crimes. There is still a dispute on whether the genocide is still occurring but right now the United States has said it is a ongoing genocide. Oringially, Obama , in his campaign, said that Sudan would suffer harsher repercussions and an establishment of a no-fly zone that would prevent Sudanese fighter jets from bombing the Darfur region. They are planning on tightening U.N sanctions and removing Kartoum as a potiental act of terriosm. This conflict has been ongoing sine 2003, after the african rebel groups attacked police stations and military outposts. If Kartoum pursues peace and maintains it the United States will trust them and the trust will provide better relations with the U.S.

I believe that it is good to intervene with the so called genocide that has taken place. I hope Kartoum does the right thing and keeps peace within the Darfur regions. Hopefully, Obama will find a better approach to maintain peace. The government still need to keep an eye on Kartoum. I think Afghanistan is a bigger issue but this conflict in one to not simply overlook. Obama had a good way of dealing with this situation in his campaign and hopefull that his plan now will not be to "soft".

Current Event #3

Washington Post- Friday, October 9, 2009
Article- Emerging Goal for Afghanistan: Weaken, Not Vanquish, Taliban

The Obama administration believes that the Taliban cannot be eliminated regardless to how many troops are sent into battle. They have established a plan to weaken the Taliban to the degree that they can no longer influence the government or reestablish what the did before the 2001 U.S invasion. Before the action takes place "all the key players" as they called it have to speak with President Obama vis a vis (face to face). Tens of Thousands of troops are needed to resist the Taliban is one thing being considered. Building a new Afghan government is also being considered.

I think it was a good plan to move our troops to Afghanistan from Iraq. I hope we make the right decision and I am not completely sure what we should do. I think sending more troops would help but we may be wrong. After long discussions, I think Obama will make the right choice. We need to take our time and not rush our decision. It may take up to more than two weeks but I think Obama needs to take his time and make sure the right thing is what we are going to do.

Editorials-
"As president Obama Considers what to do about Afghanistan, it is Important that he hear perspectives from all sides concerned about that critical region." 2009 global viewpoint Tribune Media Services

Question of the week #3- Obama report card- Grade President Obama (A-F) on the major issues of his Presidency so far.

Health Care- I believe Obama deserves a C+ on his universal health care plan. I agree with his idea to make health care affordable to everyone. I am still waiting for congress to put his plan in action and hoping for the best. I am still skeptical on how he plans on making it affordable but hope it works.

Economic Downturn- Again, I will give Obama a C+ on dealing with the economic downturn. I believe the economy has gotten somewhat better but I believe there need to be more focus on the economy. I hope Obama keeps the stimulus plan in action and hoping it continues to revive our economy.

War on Terror- From the start of his presidency to now, I think Obama has done pretty well with the war on terror. I think his actions of moving the troops from Iraq to Afghanistan deserves a B. We are now concentrating on terrorism in the middle east rather than in Iraq. I think we are in the correct place now and hope to resolve the terrorism issue.

Current Event #2

Washington Post- Saturday, October 3, 2009
Article- Weak Data Signal Grim Prospects For Workers

The unemployment rate is the highest it has ever been in 26 years. The unemployment rate reached to about 9.8 percent and about 15.1 million are jobless all over the nation. More than one third of those unemployed have been out of work for more than half a year. The labor market weakness is also making it harder for a full recovery. Five employment offices in Michigan have hired police because people are on their edge and desperate to find work. One other concern is how long with the government continue to extend unemployment benefits. The house passed legislation to give an additional thirteen weeks of benefits to those in states with higher unemployment. Construction employment, manufacturing employment and government employment have all dropped by more than 50 thousand but health care has continued to create jobs. Unemployment in the D.C area has reach about 11.1 percent but Maryland and Virginia have a much lower unemployment rate. Consumer bankruptcies in the nation has rose about 41 percent in September.

This depression has had a deep impact on the global economy, not just ours. I think our government needs to think of ways to decrease unemployment rates and create more jobs. Although the health care plan may help some people in dept we need to take more measures to help our economy. I think that the unemployment benefits are not enough. 15.1 million are jobless all over our nation, it just ridiculous. We have 1/3 of 15.1 million without jobs for more than six months. Its just hard to imagine. Hopefully, the government will find a way out of this nation's depression and also postively impact the global economy as well.

Editorial-

"Bankruptcy filings continue to climb and sonsumers look to shelter themselve from the effects of rising unemployment rates and housing debts." said Samuel J Gerdano, The American Bankruptcy Insititute's executive director.

"We are going to see deepening pain in the real economy for a very long time," Shierholz said " This Recession is just astounding for the duration of the unemployment.

Discuss one political issue you are personally interested in. Give us the issue and the reason why you are interested in it.

Currently, I am intrested in Presidents Obama's proposal for universal health care and whether it is a step in the right direction. I support his decision in unversalizing health care. It seems that many other countries with universal health care are very successful and many of their citizens like their health care, like in France. But in America I believe that this health care proposal will benefit us, high school students, significantly once we get out of college and on our own. It can help us pay off our students loans, car insurance, and other debts rather than worrying solely on health care. Also, I believe it also is narrowing the gap between the rich and poor. If properly funded, I think that health plan will ensure that not just rich get proper health care but also those that can't afford health care at this time. Many young adults do not have health care and this proposal will increase those with health care. I am for Obama universal health care plan and believe it will provide equality to the rich and poor while increasing those with health care.

Current Event #1

Washington Post-Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Article- For French, U.S. Health Debate Hard To Imagine

This Article talks about some of the problems we are facing with health care. The United States health-care spending, which is significantly higher, is being compare to Frances. Frances total health-care spending per capita is about half of ours. It also mentions some of the problems with our plan and even those of France's plan. Coverage policies have become complicated because medical care and drugs have become much more advanced. The majority of the French population is satisfied with their system. The French system has become more like the United states health care System for older people but it covers all ages. The French have faced a sudden leap in the costs of health care and now must find ways to pay for this sudden jump.

I believe that a new health care system is a good idea but I don't know how much it will work. As we get progressively more advanced and sophisticated, our health care becomes more difficult to compensate for. Although our health care is dramatically higher than Frances, which is having a little trouble paying for their health care system, I believe that our nation needs a new system. This health care reform will be a long and arduous task that Obama will have to complete. I am skeptical of this system but believe it is about time for a change.

Editorial Comments-

"I was under the impression that if the president has the votes of our elected representatives on health-care reform, what's happening is not a plan being jammed down our throats but something else: democracy. (Arthur Aron, Farifax)

What Political Party are you most closely aligned with? Why?

There are two dominate political parties, Republican and Democratic, and the democratic party mostly fits my views. Their view on abortion, the environment, and stem cell research are some reasons why I fit into this political party. I strongly believe we need to find another source for our cars and homes and step away from coal and oil. I oppose the death penalty and think is should be life in prison instead. I also believe that illegal immigrants should be able to earn their citizenship. I also wasn't a big fan of having our troops in Iraq but I was not strongly against it. Although I have these democratic views I also have some that are more in the middle. Like the right to own a gun, the government should let us own a gun but make it a more difficult process. I also think that drugs should be kept to a minimum in the United States and we should find a way to reduce it.