I think that a group of citizens cannot be free without being able to express their ideas publicly about the government. The government should be able to hear the complaints of the people it governs and make some changes accordingly. Everyone thinks that their ideas and views about the government matter, and is what allows the government flexibility to change during different times. All ideas and options must be considered for making a decision in the government, if the government is to work properly. Freedom of speech provides a balance between stability and change.
If a group has their freedom of speech taken away, which means the government is limiting their individuality. This goes along with freedom of religion. People want to say what they think, and if they say something that the government doesn't like there could be consequences. People don't want to live in fear of the government. Unless those people are kept in the dark about what the government does. But many people believe that over the long run, free speech actually improves our political decision-making. Freedom of speech acts as a system of checks and balances and is a restraint on tyranny. Freedom of speech is a necessary thing for democracies to thrive. Freedom of speech is power for the people.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_speech
Chinese guests
http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/Speech/overview.aspx
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
centrist party
The political group that I am most identified with is the Centrist Party. That means I am in the middle of the road when it comes to most political issues. This party supports some government intervention, but also supports some individual freedoms. Centrists keep and open mind and they emphasize “practical solutions” to government problems. Of course I am going to say that the Centrist party has some of the better ideas on how to run things, but there would be positive gains and some set backs if every person elected in government was Centrist in their views.
With Centrism being the main political party, there would be ideas taken from the Republican and Democrats. There would be liberal and conservative changes made. There would be more flexibility in government and the candidates could agree and disagree with both the liberals and conservatives. A Centrist government would be more efficient, fiscally responsible and show restraint, and allow freedom of choice on personal issues, and would agree on a strong diplomacy and national defense. Instead of partisan fighting, there would be progress made in politics. There would be some problems if all politicians were Centrist. The people that are extreme left or extreme right would not be happy with middle of the road politics. Centrist would disagree with each other on some topics. There also comes the question of what political ideas are "good" from each party. The American Centrist Party doesn't move America left or right, but forward.
With Centrism being the main political party, there would be ideas taken from the Republican and Democrats. There would be liberal and conservative changes made. There would be more flexibility in government and the candidates could agree and disagree with both the liberals and conservatives. A Centrist government would be more efficient, fiscally responsible and show restraint, and allow freedom of choice on personal issues, and would agree on a strong diplomacy and national defense. Instead of partisan fighting, there would be progress made in politics. There would be some problems if all politicians were Centrist. The people that are extreme left or extreme right would not be happy with middle of the road politics. Centrist would disagree with each other on some topics. There also comes the question of what political ideas are "good" from each party. The American Centrist Party doesn't move America left or right, but forward.
Monday, November 24, 2008
local and state government deficit
The government spends too much money, and with a $12 billion deficit projected for next year, there is no easy way to reduce spending. The governor has proposed many plans to reduce spending, but no one wants to cut spending from something because they feel it is important. I think that if money was spent more efficiently and some cuts were made there would not be such a large deficit. Many different programs could be reworked to aid in more than one way or provide for long term gains.
I am partially for what the governor has proposed, and cut spending across the board, but that has huge effects on everyone in every area. There should be more cut in other areas than some areas. The lottery department and the state- wide wireless network could have spending cut. It wouldn't affect as many people if those things were cut back. If money spent to balance the budget and interest was removed the state and local governments could save $20 million. Public transportation in very rural areas and country areas could be subsidized and reduced to save money. Some spending could be put in the hands of the local government to help make the most of the money, and make sure none of it gets wasted. The local government knows better on what needs the different departments have and how to give them the money they need. An example would be the funding of the transportation system. Incentive programs could also be fixed so there is a long-term gain. The municipalities aid could be cut back, but the efficiency incentive program could be strengthened. This would lead to a long term cut back on energy use and less spending on energy costs.
There are a few different ways to fix the deficit problem without affecting too many people. Many programs could help benefit more than one thing. There also needs to be a reduction of wasted money.
Sources:
http://www.budget.state.ny.us/index.html
http://www.usgovernmentspending.com/New_York_state_spending.html#usgs302
http://www.openbooknewyork.com/index.htm
I am partially for what the governor has proposed, and cut spending across the board, but that has huge effects on everyone in every area. There should be more cut in other areas than some areas. The lottery department and the state- wide wireless network could have spending cut. It wouldn't affect as many people if those things were cut back. If money spent to balance the budget and interest was removed the state and local governments could save $20 million. Public transportation in very rural areas and country areas could be subsidized and reduced to save money. Some spending could be put in the hands of the local government to help make the most of the money, and make sure none of it gets wasted. The local government knows better on what needs the different departments have and how to give them the money they need. An example would be the funding of the transportation system. Incentive programs could also be fixed so there is a long-term gain. The municipalities aid could be cut back, but the efficiency incentive program could be strengthened. This would lead to a long term cut back on energy use and less spending on energy costs.
There are a few different ways to fix the deficit problem without affecting too many people. Many programs could help benefit more than one thing. There also needs to be a reduction of wasted money.
Sources:
http://www.budget.state.ny.us/index.html
http://www.usgovernmentspending.com/New_York_state_spending.html#usgs302
http://www.openbooknewyork.com/index.htm
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Natural or Anthropogenic Warming?
Global warming is a real threat to our planet and if we don't take some sort of action it could be too late. The world needs to work together to stop this crisis, not just one country that has to change and conform. People will not take action until it is too late and that is no way to reverse the effects. There is a lot to global warming and there is much data that points to that people are the cause of global warming.
There are many different things people could look at to see that the climate of the world is changing. Earth does experience a change from an icehouse to a greenhouse climate. We can see this by looking at fossils for temperature and also ice cores which contain prehistoric air bubbles. The CO2 range should be about 180 to 280 parts per million, but currently it is around 338 parts per million. And some could argue that natural causes could change the climate so drastically. You could say that the sun is emitting more radiation, but scientists say that there is no change in solar output since 1970. Some may also say that volcanoes or el Nino would cause a great amount of climate change. But in reality that only amounts to about a .7 degree C change. In the last 25 years there has been about .4 degrees C warming, and in the past 100 years there has been about .75 degrees C warming. The 1990s was the warmest recorded decade, and the top 20 warmest years were ever year since 1992.This means that there is a decrease in snow cover with an earlier spring snow melt. Most alpine glaciers are retreating, and the rate of melting has accelerated in recent decades.There could be a 20cm to 60cm change in sea level in the next few decades. There could be a 1 meter change in the next 100 years. If all of the ice on the planet would melt there would be a 76 meter rise in the sea level. That is a scary thought because it would put most major cities underwater. With most of the natural causes of warming eliminated, the is only one major cause, human interaction.
With human interactions as the only source of global warming, many scientists are trying to figure out how much CO2 we are putting into the atmosphere and how to reverse what we are doing. The Keeling curve shows how much CO2 has been added by burning fossil fuels. The intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC) has issues 5 messages saying that global warming is man made. If the climate was to change this drastically there would be oonger growing seasons in some areas and shorter in other areas, some species of animals would replace others, and deserts would appear where there was not a desert before. The planet would become much hotter and so then it would become too hot to grow things in some places. Many ideas are being looked at to fix this problem of global warming. Some ideas are to pump the CO2 back underground where the oil and other natural gasses are coming from in the form of geological storage. Another way is to have mineral carbonation or iron fertilization for the underwater plants. Also another way is to capture and store the CO2 in some way. There are many way to help fight this problem. Some solutions are readily available and cause a drastic change.
Global warming is a real threat to our planet and the way every one of us lives now. We all have to take action before it becomes too late to make any difference. The world needs to work together to make a change, not just one country.
There are many different things people could look at to see that the climate of the world is changing. Earth does experience a change from an icehouse to a greenhouse climate. We can see this by looking at fossils for temperature and also ice cores which contain prehistoric air bubbles. The CO2 range should be about 180 to 280 parts per million, but currently it is around 338 parts per million. And some could argue that natural causes could change the climate so drastically. You could say that the sun is emitting more radiation, but scientists say that there is no change in solar output since 1970. Some may also say that volcanoes or el Nino would cause a great amount of climate change. But in reality that only amounts to about a .7 degree C change. In the last 25 years there has been about .4 degrees C warming, and in the past 100 years there has been about .75 degrees C warming. The 1990s was the warmest recorded decade, and the top 20 warmest years were ever year since 1992.This means that there is a decrease in snow cover with an earlier spring snow melt. Most alpine glaciers are retreating, and the rate of melting has accelerated in recent decades.There could be a 20cm to 60cm change in sea level in the next few decades. There could be a 1 meter change in the next 100 years. If all of the ice on the planet would melt there would be a 76 meter rise in the sea level. That is a scary thought because it would put most major cities underwater. With most of the natural causes of warming eliminated, the is only one major cause, human interaction.
With human interactions as the only source of global warming, many scientists are trying to figure out how much CO2 we are putting into the atmosphere and how to reverse what we are doing. The Keeling curve shows how much CO2 has been added by burning fossil fuels. The intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC) has issues 5 messages saying that global warming is man made. If the climate was to change this drastically there would be oonger growing seasons in some areas and shorter in other areas, some species of animals would replace others, and deserts would appear where there was not a desert before. The planet would become much hotter and so then it would become too hot to grow things in some places. Many ideas are being looked at to fix this problem of global warming. Some ideas are to pump the CO2 back underground where the oil and other natural gasses are coming from in the form of geological storage. Another way is to have mineral carbonation or iron fertilization for the underwater plants. Also another way is to capture and store the CO2 in some way. There are many way to help fight this problem. Some solutions are readily available and cause a drastic change.
Global warming is a real threat to our planet and the way every one of us lives now. We all have to take action before it becomes too late to make any difference. The world needs to work together to make a change, not just one country.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Agriculture in NY
Agriculture, like every other industry in New York, is a major thing that helps keep the economy going. There is pride in knowing that someone in your community grew or raised the food you are eating, and that it is probably healthier than most of the food you are going to buy in the grocery store. Agriculture plays a major role in the New York state economy. I'll show you how the New York state economy is affected by the farms of New York and also the legislation that helps them grow and prosper.
Each little farm in New York is very important to the economy in many ways. The farms of New York make up 25% of the state's land area and bring in over $3.6 billion to the economy. There are 35,600 farms in New York and they use 7.55 million acres. Animals and fruit rank high among the nation in terms of production and cash return. Livestock brought in over $246 million. Milk, one of the top agriculture products, accounts for about half of the income brought in. Fruit also brought in great amounts of revenue, $243 million. Apples and grapes are among the top products produced in New York. After being over to Goold's Orchard last week, I can see how well the different farms are doing and how they are dealing with these tough times. Strawberries are also on of the top products of New York. Many of the local farms will allow people to go and pick their own, like Swartz's Farm. We go there every year to pick strawberries, and it's much cheaper to go and pick your own than buy them at the store, and you're guaranteed they're fresh. Field crops like soybeans and corn have many benefits to them as well. The soybeans attract wild animals, like turkeys and deer, that my grandfather likes to watch throughout the summer for hunting season. They also brought in over $43.5 million. Local farms not only bring in money for the economy, but also help the community in understanding how farms work, and bring able to buy local foods to support the local economy. But does New York state have sufficient legislation in place to help and protect their local farms from competition and a bad market.
The legislation in act helps to keep the farms growing and prosperous. There are many laws that protect the farmers and the people who work on the farms. There is also tax incentives and exemptions for farmers. There is strong legislation in place that allows the farmer to be the most productive during the harvest time. New York tries to get farms to be as efficient as possible. There are many tax incentives on many items, mainly things used on the farm, like equipment and tools. Taxes on farm land is also much less than on regular land. If a person rents out their land to a farmer ,the get a tax break. My grandparents do that with their land, they rent it out to the local farmers to plant crops on, and they get a tax break. New York also passed legislation for farmland protection, and to give out grants to farms.There are also many laws in place to ensure the quality of food being produced.
With good legislation in place, New York farms can help the economy on a state and local level. Many local farms produce many different products right in the Hudson Valley region, so the people can buy local and know they are buying the best quality food that they can.
Each little farm in New York is very important to the economy in many ways. The farms of New York make up 25% of the state's land area and bring in over $3.6 billion to the economy. There are 35,600 farms in New York and they use 7.55 million acres. Animals and fruit rank high among the nation in terms of production and cash return. Livestock brought in over $246 million. Milk, one of the top agriculture products, accounts for about half of the income brought in. Fruit also brought in great amounts of revenue, $243 million. Apples and grapes are among the top products produced in New York. After being over to Goold's Orchard last week, I can see how well the different farms are doing and how they are dealing with these tough times. Strawberries are also on of the top products of New York. Many of the local farms will allow people to go and pick their own, like Swartz's Farm. We go there every year to pick strawberries, and it's much cheaper to go and pick your own than buy them at the store, and you're guaranteed they're fresh. Field crops like soybeans and corn have many benefits to them as well. The soybeans attract wild animals, like turkeys and deer, that my grandfather likes to watch throughout the summer for hunting season. They also brought in over $43.5 million. Local farms not only bring in money for the economy, but also help the community in understanding how farms work, and bring able to buy local foods to support the local economy. But does New York state have sufficient legislation in place to help and protect their local farms from competition and a bad market.
The legislation in act helps to keep the farms growing and prosperous. There are many laws that protect the farmers and the people who work on the farms. There is also tax incentives and exemptions for farmers. There is strong legislation in place that allows the farmer to be the most productive during the harvest time. New York tries to get farms to be as efficient as possible. There are many tax incentives on many items, mainly things used on the farm, like equipment and tools. Taxes on farm land is also much less than on regular land. If a person rents out their land to a farmer ,the get a tax break. My grandparents do that with their land, they rent it out to the local farmers to plant crops on, and they get a tax break. New York also passed legislation for farmland protection, and to give out grants to farms.There are also many laws in place to ensure the quality of food being produced.
With good legislation in place, New York farms can help the economy on a state and local level. Many local farms produce many different products right in the Hudson Valley region, so the people can buy local and know they are buying the best quality food that they can.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
my views on the U.S. government and economy (revised)
What is democracy in America about, and how does it affect the everyday person like me? That is what I'm trying to figure out right now- what I can and can't do in this great country of ours. There are many things about our government that are helpful and some that aren't. The laws, the economy, and politics in gerenal effect the everyday person directly.
Have you ever wanted to do something fun, but found out it was illegal or banned for some reason because someone did it before you and got hurt or arrested? Like when my friend had to drive his tractor to his land that was less than a quater of a mile away, and someone called the cops on him. It seems like we can't live with laws, but then again we can't live without them. If all of the politicians could work together, imagine what they could accomplish. Laws and rights that act on each other could be passed, so the public could know exactly what they could and couldn't do. Laws help the different agencies like the police an other enforcement agencies decide what is right and what is wrong. Laws protect the common person(like me) from the people who commit crimes and are sent to jail, and the government from suppressing our voices. I like everyone else likes to share their opinion to help make certain things better. That is what voting is all about. Sometimes they even have different laws up for vote at the voting machines in November. We elect different people from different political parties each term that we feel are best suited for the problem at hand and knows what the people that they are representing want. Some people think that their vote doesn't count that much, but it does matter in any type situation. If you're one person standing up for one small thing, then yes, you may not be heard as well. It seems like every President promises the same thing and change, but without Congress the President is not very effective. Like how McCain and Obama both promise change, but they can't do a thing with out the support of Congress and more importantly, the people. The political "backup" could be eliminated if Congress and the President could work together and make effective laws that help govern the people, and not hinder them.
Even in a time of loss there is some good to be gained. Gain and loss is a daily occurence in our economy right now. As the economy slows and the formerly big and strong businesses file for bankruptcy, many people are let to wonder what is next. With AIG having problem the government is stepping in with relief programs like buying back all of the bad mortgages and such. The governments plans seem to be working for now with the large gains in the market. Also many analysts are saying that Americans are going to be buying less in the up coming holiday season. With prices rising and the economy failing, people are going to be looking for bargains, like cheaper gas. Coupons and rebates are what people are going to be using to find greater discounts, along with competition among businesses in the free market. Another great thing about the American government is the free market. Allowing businesses to compete helps drive down prices for the common person. With competition the economy is still able to grow even though it is slowing down.
Democracy in America is many different things, and means something different for each person. For some it's being able to vote, and for other is having certain rights that can not be taken away. The American Heritage dictionary says that democracy is majority rule and that the common people are considered the primary source of political power. People like their right of being able to vote who controls the country and what that person should and should not do. Then there is also the amendments to the constitution, which help tell the government what they can and can't do. They also allow for all people to be equal. My right of freedom of speech is allowing me to be able to talk about the government and its policies.Democracy is better than some form of governments in some areas but worse in other areas.
Democracy does affect the everyday person in many ways. Without democracy there would be chaos in how much power the government should have and people wanting to voice their complaints. There are so many aspects to government and economics that one cannot possibly cover them all, but this is a good outline for how I think the government works for the common person and what our government does.
Have you ever wanted to do something fun, but found out it was illegal or banned for some reason because someone did it before you and got hurt or arrested? Like when my friend had to drive his tractor to his land that was less than a quater of a mile away, and someone called the cops on him. It seems like we can't live with laws, but then again we can't live without them. If all of the politicians could work together, imagine what they could accomplish. Laws and rights that act on each other could be passed, so the public could know exactly what they could and couldn't do. Laws help the different agencies like the police an other enforcement agencies decide what is right and what is wrong. Laws protect the common person(like me) from the people who commit crimes and are sent to jail, and the government from suppressing our voices. I like everyone else likes to share their opinion to help make certain things better. That is what voting is all about. Sometimes they even have different laws up for vote at the voting machines in November. We elect different people from different political parties each term that we feel are best suited for the problem at hand and knows what the people that they are representing want. Some people think that their vote doesn't count that much, but it does matter in any type situation. If you're one person standing up for one small thing, then yes, you may not be heard as well. It seems like every President promises the same thing and change, but without Congress the President is not very effective. Like how McCain and Obama both promise change, but they can't do a thing with out the support of Congress and more importantly, the people. The political "backup" could be eliminated if Congress and the President could work together and make effective laws that help govern the people, and not hinder them.
Even in a time of loss there is some good to be gained. Gain and loss is a daily occurence in our economy right now. As the economy slows and the formerly big and strong businesses file for bankruptcy, many people are let to wonder what is next. With AIG having problem the government is stepping in with relief programs like buying back all of the bad mortgages and such. The governments plans seem to be working for now with the large gains in the market. Also many analysts are saying that Americans are going to be buying less in the up coming holiday season. With prices rising and the economy failing, people are going to be looking for bargains, like cheaper gas. Coupons and rebates are what people are going to be using to find greater discounts, along with competition among businesses in the free market. Another great thing about the American government is the free market. Allowing businesses to compete helps drive down prices for the common person. With competition the economy is still able to grow even though it is slowing down.
Democracy in America is many different things, and means something different for each person. For some it's being able to vote, and for other is having certain rights that can not be taken away. The American Heritage dictionary says that democracy is majority rule and that the common people are considered the primary source of political power. People like their right of being able to vote who controls the country and what that person should and should not do. Then there is also the amendments to the constitution, which help tell the government what they can and can't do. They also allow for all people to be equal. My right of freedom of speech is allowing me to be able to talk about the government and its policies.Democracy is better than some form of governments in some areas but worse in other areas.
Democracy does affect the everyday person in many ways. Without democracy there would be chaos in how much power the government should have and people wanting to voice their complaints. There are so many aspects to government and economics that one cannot possibly cover them all, but this is a good outline for how I think the government works for the common person and what our government does.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
my ideas of the us government and economy
What is democracy in America about, and how does it affect the everyday person like me? That is what I'm trying to figure out right now. What I can and can't do in this great country of ours. I am a person that does not like politics, and all of the advertising on television. There are many things about our government that are helpful and some that aren't. Politics are a pain, so of course I'll definitly take a look at the thing that bothers me, the economy right now isn't working, and also what exactly is democracy in America.
How often have you wanted to do something fun, but found out it was illegal because someone did it before you and was then banned? It seems like we can't live with laws, but then again we can't live without them. Laws help the different agencies like the police an other enforcement agencies decide what is right and what is wrong. Laws protect the common person(like me) from the people who commit crimes and are sent to jail, and the government from supperssing our voices. I like everyone else likes to share their opinion to help make certain things better. That is what voting is all about. We elect different people from different political parties each term that we feel is best suited for the problem at hand and knows what the people want. Sometimes they even have different laws up for vote at the voting machines in November. Some people think that their vote doesn't count that much, but it does matter in any type situation. If you're one person standing up for one small thing, then yes, you may not be heard as well. The reason I don't like politics is that it seems like every President promises the same thing and change, but without Congress the President is not very effective. If all of the politicians could work together, imagine what they could accomplish.
Gain and loss is a daily occurance in our economy right now. As the economy slows and the big and strong businesses file for bankruptcy, many people are let to wonder what is next. With AIG having problem the government is stepping in with relief programs like buying back all of the bad motrgages and such. The governments plans seem to be working for now with the large gains in the market. Also many analysists are saying that Americans are going to be buying less in the up coming holiday season. With prices rising and the economy failing, people are going to be looking for bargains, like cheaper gas. Cupons and rebates are what people are going to be using to find greater discounts, along with competition among businesses in the free market. Another great thing about the American government is the free market. Allowing businesses to compete helps drive down prices for the common person. Even in a time of loss there is some good to be gained.
Democracy in America is many different things, and means something differnet for each person. For some it's being able to vote, and for other is having certain rights that can not be taken away. The American Heritage dictionary says that democracy is majority rule and that the common people are considered the primary source of political power. Many people like their right of being able to vote who controls the country and what that person should and should not do. Then there is also the ammendments to the constitution, which help tell the government what they can and can't do. They also allow for all people to be equal. My right of freedom of speech is allowing me to be able to talk about the government and it's policies.Democracy is better than some form of governments in some areas but worse in other areas.
Democracy does affect the everyday person in many ways. Without democracy there would be chaos in how much power the government should have and people wanting to voice their complaints. There are so many aspects to government and economics that one cannot possibly cover them all, but this is a good outline for how I think the government works for the common person and what our government does.
How often have you wanted to do something fun, but found out it was illegal because someone did it before you and was then banned? It seems like we can't live with laws, but then again we can't live without them. Laws help the different agencies like the police an other enforcement agencies decide what is right and what is wrong. Laws protect the common person(like me) from the people who commit crimes and are sent to jail, and the government from supperssing our voices. I like everyone else likes to share their opinion to help make certain things better. That is what voting is all about. We elect different people from different political parties each term that we feel is best suited for the problem at hand and knows what the people want. Sometimes they even have different laws up for vote at the voting machines in November. Some people think that their vote doesn't count that much, but it does matter in any type situation. If you're one person standing up for one small thing, then yes, you may not be heard as well. The reason I don't like politics is that it seems like every President promises the same thing and change, but without Congress the President is not very effective. If all of the politicians could work together, imagine what they could accomplish.
Gain and loss is a daily occurance in our economy right now. As the economy slows and the big and strong businesses file for bankruptcy, many people are let to wonder what is next. With AIG having problem the government is stepping in with relief programs like buying back all of the bad motrgages and such. The governments plans seem to be working for now with the large gains in the market. Also many analysists are saying that Americans are going to be buying less in the up coming holiday season. With prices rising and the economy failing, people are going to be looking for bargains, like cheaper gas. Cupons and rebates are what people are going to be using to find greater discounts, along with competition among businesses in the free market. Another great thing about the American government is the free market. Allowing businesses to compete helps drive down prices for the common person. Even in a time of loss there is some good to be gained.
Democracy in America is many different things, and means something differnet for each person. For some it's being able to vote, and for other is having certain rights that can not be taken away. The American Heritage dictionary says that democracy is majority rule and that the common people are considered the primary source of political power. Many people like their right of being able to vote who controls the country and what that person should and should not do. Then there is also the ammendments to the constitution, which help tell the government what they can and can't do. They also allow for all people to be equal. My right of freedom of speech is allowing me to be able to talk about the government and it's policies.Democracy is better than some form of governments in some areas but worse in other areas.
Democracy does affect the everyday person in many ways. Without democracy there would be chaos in how much power the government should have and people wanting to voice their complaints. There are so many aspects to government and economics that one cannot possibly cover them all, but this is a good outline for how I think the government works for the common person and what our government does.
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