Author: Crystal Fontaine

The nation of Ethiopia is nestled between the countries of Sudan and Somalia. There are approximately 85 million people who live in the nation. Relations between the US and the 2^nd most densely populated African state have been relatively positive since the early 1900s.  Unfortunately, due to a number of reported human’s rights violations, strain between the two nations has emerged. Recently, Ethiopia’s Charities and Societies Proclamation Law, or CSO, went into effect, causing uproar from the human rights activist and international aid communities.

Amnesty International called the CSO a tyrannical law that is intended to dominate and scrutinize civil society in an atmosphere of increasing intolerance towards the efforts of human rights advocates and civil society organizations. Amnesty International considers the law’s provisions as violations of international and regional human rights treaties. The Ethiopian government asserts that the law is to address what seem to be inadequacies within the current legal regime, promoting financial transparency and accountability. The law will provide more “proper” administration and regulation to civil society, according to Ethiopian officials.

The CSO law will criminalize human rights actions carried out by Ethiopian organizations that obtain more than 10 percent of their funding from foreign entities. The law imposes a disproportionate amount of criminal penalties for even small administrative violations of the regulation. It also establishes a Charities and Societies Agency that will have widespread unrestricted authority over civil society associations, allowing for government observation and obstruction in day-to-day operation and management. If the law is violated, one could face up to fifteen years in prison.

The law passed after the arrests of two outspoken opponents of the government. One of the opponents, Birtukan Midekssa, had originally been convicted in her role of sponsoring protests after the much disputed 2005 elections and then pardoned; only to have the pardoned revoked on inadequate evidence. The other opponent was arrested in November on the charge of plotting acts of terrorism; however, there appears to be little evidence supporting the charge.

Ethiopia’s new CSO law is only the beginning. A flurry of proposed legislation from the US is expected to be released in a hot and heavy fashion. As other key global players in human rights circles (such as the UN and EU) begin to emerge, the situation between the US and Ethiopia will only become more intense.

One of the most probable US legislators to step to the plate is Representative Donald Payne (D-NJ). Payne introduced the Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007 (H.R. 2003) even before the situation escalated. At the time, H.R. 200 aimed to force the unconditional release of all political prisoners, support humanitarian assistance, and strengthen U.S-Ethiopia relations. The Secretary of State would have the authority to provide financial support to local and national human rights groups, establish a program to strengthen independent media and establish a program to provide for a judicial monitoring process.

For information on Representative Payne, follow this link.

For more information on researching and tracking pending US/Ethiopian legislation, make sure to check back with State Surge – How do you keep up?

Author: Crystal Fontaine

What would you do the government suddenly demanded you to leave your family and friends to join the US military? What would you do if, no matter your best efforts, you were forced to serve? The idea of a military draft is not a new concept. In 1940, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Selective Training and Service Act, which created the nation’s first peacetime draft. Men were drafted to fill vacancies that were no longer being filled by volunteers.

The draft, or conscription, is not without controversy. During the ever unpopular Vietnam War, it became a central issue for the American public. In order to avoid the draft, many men fled the country and protests weren’t uncommon. When the government ended the draft, an all-volunteer military was established. Since then, young men from the ages of 18 to 26 have been required by law to register with the Selective Service so that during an emergency the government would have a number of men to call upon. As the nation is currently fighting two wars, the United States has stretched its military sources thin without the use of a draft. Some might say that now is the time to once again instill the military draft.

One of the major proponents for the draft is the Excelsior State’s Representative Charles Rangel (D-NY). Rumors (and precedence) have it that this year Rangel would like to reintroduce legislation to re-establish the universal military draft. Rangel has introduced similar bills in the past, declaring that everyone in America should be forced by law to work for the government for a minimum of two years for little-to-no- pay. According to the New York Representative, the draft would strengthen U.S troop levels that are inadequate now to cover possible future action in places such as North Korea, Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan. Rangel has tried to introduce similar legislation in the year 2003 and again in the year 2007, but each time he has failed.

Rangel believes that a draft is the best thing for the nation due to citizens contributing to a shared sacrifice, giving the public a better understanding of military service. Former President Reagan once said, “Conscription rests on the assumption that your kids belong to the state. If we buy that assumption then it is for the state—not for parents, the community, the religious institutions or teachers—to decide who shall have what values and who shall do what work, when, where and how in our society. That assumption isn’t a new one. The Nazis thought it was a great idea”. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said in the past that Rangel’s proposition for the draft was more about creating a point on social disparity. Many others have noted that the re-introduction would not get much attention from the public as the issue of the military strain in Iraq has been pushed to the side due to the economic crisis.

Author: Crystal Fontaine

The signs of economic recession are everywhere. Recently, a small town in mid-Missouri with a population of approximately 5,000 people experienced the distressing effects of the economic slump as a local factory laid off 400 workers – a whopping eight percent of the town’s population. Economies of every size are all realizing the effects of the economic downturn.

According to the United States Small Business Administration, there were 27.2 million businesses in the United States in the year of 2007. Of those, small firms with fewer than 500 employees represent 99.9%. These small firms pay nearly 45% of the total U.S payroll and employee about half of all the private sector. Over the last decade, small businesses alone have generated 60-80% of net new jobs annually. Although big business, such as GM, shows the more “noticeable” effects of the recession, we cannot forget the little guys, who may be struggling just as much.

In November, Senator Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), purposed the small business-focused Senate Bill 3699, which seeks to improve the HUBZone program. Snowe’s efforts may very well go a long way to providing one of the cornerstones of America’s future.

HUBZone Background

HUBZone is a program created under the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 97’that falls under the sponsorship of the U.S Small Business Administration, promoting economic development in historically underutilized business zones. The program attempts to do this by enhancing employment and capital investment by providing Federal contracting preferences to small business in economically distraught areas. The HUBZone areas are defined as a qualified census tract, a qualified “non-metropolitan” with a median income of less than 80% of the state median, or property within the margins of federally recognized Indian Reservations. In order to be eligible, a business must be positioned in a HUBZone, the business must be owned and controlled by one or more U.S citizens, and no less than 35% of the employees must reside in the HUBZone.

Under Snowe’s legislation, numerous concerns with the program are given light. For instance, there is no real assurance that only qualified firms are apart of the program. This is attributable to not acquiring certain documentation and conducting site visits more regularly during certification process. The legislation provides a list of improvement suggestions, including the development and implementation of direction for establishing if an application is qualified, establishing a time period for completing recertification, building measures to measure efficiency that take into account contracts being calculated under several socioeconomic subcategories, economic characteristics, et cetera. In addition, the Comptroller General must present a report to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee on Small Business in the House no later than two years after the implementation of the bill.

As quoted by Warren Buffett, “In the business world, the rearview mirror is always clearer than the windshield”. Over a year ago, many of us did not anticipate that we would be facing an economic crisis with the scope we are working through. Today, we are facing an economic crisis of which the likes have never been seen. As we work through the urgent, macro reforms currently on the table, we, as Snowe suggests, must improve on what we currently have and find ways to help our small business communities. 

Author: Crystal Fontaine

As Herbert Hoover once said, “Children are our most valuable natural resource.” We look to oil, trees, land, and so forth as the natural resources that we need to protect in order to survive and thrive. However, in order for future generations to enjoy those lush resources, we must take care of ourselves and our families, especially the wellbeing of our children.

Unfortunately, too many people go without going to see the doctor because they do not have health insurance coverage. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 45.7 million Americans or 15 percent of the population, were uninsured for the year of 2007. Although these figures represent an improvement from the previous year, the statistics show a fall since the year 2001, which showed six million fewer people were without health insurance compared to the year 2007. The report continues to state the main reason for the lack of insurance is due to the decline of employer-sponsored health insurance programs over the past several years.

President Obama has emphasized the importance of health care, especially health care coverage for our children. Not even a month into his presidency, President Obama has already signed into law the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009. The legislation, sponsored by Frank Jr. Pallone, will become effective on April 1 of this year. The bill establishes the Child Enrollment Contingency Fund for payments to a state to abolish its shortfall and instructs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make performance bonus payments to states to counterbalance additional Medicaid and CHIP child enrollment costs.

Subtitle B of Title 1 of the bill focuses on low income children and pregnant women, giving states an option to cover targeted low-income pregnant women under CHIP through a state plan amendment. It also provides for a phase-out of CHIP coverage for non-pregnant childless adults; however, there will still be an option to apply for a Medicaid waiver in order to continue coverage. Under Title II, the SSA Title XXI is amended so that the Secretary may award grants during the fiscal years 2009-2013 for outreach and enrollment efforts to boost enrollment for eligible children. Subtitle C of Title VI continues this outreach effort by creating a task force to carry out a national campaign of education and outreach for small business concerns concerning the accessibility of coverage for children through Medicaid and CHIP.

In this bill, the Senate acknowledges that there is a necessity to improve the affordability and access to health insurance for all Americans, the value of building upon the existing private health insurance market, and verifies its intent to pass legislation  that expands access to significant and reasonable health insurance coverage for employees of small businesses and individuals. 

Author: Crystal Fontaine

 In 2008 President Bush signed a significant piece of legislation that made considerable changes and improvements in adoption. House Bill 6893, known as the “Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act”, revises part B and E of Title VI of the Social Security Act to support relative caregivers and develop more encouragement for adoption, among other things.

Two of the most significant reforms include:

• Updating the adoption incentive program
• Slowly de-linking Title IV-E adoption aid from income conditions

 Both reforms, in time, would assist families by granting them access to federal funds for foster youth.

According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, despite the fact that one third of Americans have considered adopting a child at some point only 2% have actually completed the process. In 2000 and 2001, around 127,000 children were adopted annually. Over the years the amount of adoptions has remained at a consistent level. Whereas Kinship and Private Agency adoption have tradtionally been the main sources of adoptions, public agency and intercountry adoption have taken over, accounting for more than half of adoptions today. Currently publicly funded child welfare agencies account for two fifths, while intercountry account for more than 15%. Intercountry adoption has risen between the years 1992 and 2001, increasing from a mere 5% to 15%.

The issue of adoption can be a sensitive subject, especially concerning who has the right to adopt. On December 30, 2008, over a dozen families field a lawsuit, challenging a new Arkansas Law that bans unmarried couples living together from becoming foster or adoptive parents. Under Section 1 of the Act, it is stated that a person cannot adopt if they live with a sexual partner outside of marriage. This applies equally to both heterosexual and homosexual couples. Section 5 of the Act states that it is in the best interest of adopted children to be raised in an environment where both adoptive parents are married. The Arkansas chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union filed the claim on the families’ behalf against the State of Arkansas, the Attorney General, the Department of Human Services, and the Child Welfare Agency Review Board, seeking to throw out Act 1. According to their case, the act’s language was very misleading to voters and it violates constitutional rights.

One wonders about equality and what rights do states have in basically banning gay couples from adoption. The act may not specifically target gay couples through language, but it had to be known that these couples would be affected the most by the legislation. We preach equality in this country, but it seems to that there are stipulations to that equality. Apparently, homosexuality is an exception to the rule. Shouldn’t adoption be based upon whether the child will be cared for in a loving and caring environment? How can one determine that a couple that is married provides better care to a child? There are so many children out there that need to be adopted.

In a response to this very issue, Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s and an adopted child himself said it best: “…as long as it works for the child and the family is responsible.” My big stand is this: Every child deserves a home and love. Period”.

Author: Crystal Fontaine

In 2004, lung cancer accounted for more deaths than breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer combined. Approximately thirty five million Americans now live with chronic lung disease, making it one of the leading causes of death in the United States as it is responsible for one in six deaths. The financial costs of treating lung cancer are incredibly high, costing approximately $9.6 billion per year. One does not have to be a smoker to develop lung cancer as there are many factors that are added into the risk of getting lung cancer. However, smoking does increase one’s odds considerably.

According to a 2005 C-STATS data sheet for the state of California, there are 14.3% of Californian adults (ages 18-65) that are current smokers with 10% being daily smokers, leaving the remaining 4.3% claiming they are only occasional smokers. Unfortunately in 2008, there was an estimated total 18,060 Californians who were diagnosed for lung cancer with an expected number of 13,000 dieing from the disease. Due to these increasing numbers, California Assemblyman Tom Torlakson introduced Assembly bill 89, which increases the states cigarette tax. The legislation is similar to California Senate bill 24 that Torlakson introduced last year. AB 89 would provide “much needed funding for Lung Cancer Research while saving our State billions in tobacco-related health care costs”. The bill provides a good way to gain the money needed for research and to help protect the health of many Californians.

AB89 would impose an additional excise tax on the distribution of cigarettes at a rate of $0.105 for each cigarette sold. Cigarette dealers and wholesalers would be required to file a return with the State Board of Equalization, showing the number of tobacco products in their possession that is under their control. The revenues collected would be deposited in the Tobacco Excise Tax Account, which would be created under the legislation. The revenue would go towards certain education and health related purposes, such as child’s health care, tobacco cessation services, and lung cancer research. The law could raise approximately two billion dollars annually if it should go into effect.

Since 2000, there have been 42 out of the 50 U.S states that have increased their cigarette excise tax. According to Torlakson, this should be a win for California’s schools and public health. If the bill is to pass, approximately one billion of the estimated two billion that it is to generate would go towards California’s vast educational system. The other billion would go towards health care needs. As we face a struggling economy, it is just one way to look at different revenue options to help fund important things, such as lung cancer research and education. 

Author: Crystal Fontaine

“We need your service, right now, in this moment-our moment-in history”. President-elect Obama quoted these very words during a speech made in Colorado last year, claiming since he began running for the presidency that the central cause of his presidency would be molded around service. It is not the service through military arms that Obama speaks of, but the service provided by the “average Joe” – the service that incorporates volunteering and giving back to our communities. The President-elect and the former Delaware Senator plan to set an example the day before the Presidential inauguration by completing community service in order to commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday.

In a recent public service ad featured in the New York Times, President-elect Obama is shown encouraging the readers to “Be the Change: Mentor a Child”. The advertisement, from Service Nation and other groups, summons a course of action to correspond with January 2009 National Mentoring Month. National Mentoring Month is to help recognize the contributions of adults and students who are already volunteering and to encourage for more people to volunteer within mentoring programs. There is currently a serious mentoring gap in America, with nearly 15,000,000 youth in need of mentors. The month is designated to create awareness to the critical role of mentors participate in assisting youth recognize their full potential.

According to Mentoring.org, mentoring is to offer a structured and trusting relationship that brings youth together with compassionate individuals who provide guidance and encouragement, developing the aptitude and character of the mentee. Mentors help in so many ways by encouraging students to stay motivated and focused and presenting a constructive way for young people to spend their time among various other things. There are many programs across the nation that focus on mentoring. Across Ages, located in Philadelphia, focuses on 6^th graders in distressed areas, emphasizing in reducing substance abuse.  Another program that is widely known throughout the nation is the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program, which promotes positive youth development through one on one mentoring of adolescence who come mainly from single-parent homes.

In a 2002 research report by Child Trends, the report shows that mentoring presents a great approach for youth development. Within the statement, Child Trends found that children who go through the mentoring experience have positive academic returns under overall academic achievement. In a provided example, children within Big Brothers and Big Sisters showed significantly better attendance, skipping half as many days as the control group in the study. There was also a correlation of students having better attitudes in general towards school. According to the study, a longer mentoring relationship equals a better outcome.

In a time of economic distress, the New Year has once again come upon us. This New Year is bringing about monumental changes: a new president, a new vision, and a new start. With this new perspective, perhaps we should focus more on providing our children with better futures and better outlooks toward the future instead of focusing on short- term negative economic trends. Mentoring is just one of the many positive ways that we can help the children of this country succeed and become our future. 

Author: Crystal Fontaine

Recently, the United Health Foundation, in conjunction with the American Public Health Association, released a study rating the healthiest and least healthy states in America. The study ranked the fifty U.S states on per capita percentages of obesity, cardiovascular disease, child poverty, smoking, and so forth. Each state was ranked accordingly with the national average. The report focuses on four key areas that include personal behaviors, public and health policy, clinical care, and community and environment.

One must head north, apparently, to find some of the healthiest states in America, including Washington and Massachusetts. Leading the charts of the healthiest state in the nation is Vermont. The state has the fewest children living in poverty as well as growth in the specialty of prenatal care, climbing the rankings from twenty-nine to number two in the nation. Although Vermont’s obesity has doubled since the 1990’s, it still falls below the national average. On the other end of the spectrum, Mississippi is considered the unhealthiest states with the highest rate of children living in poverty with the overall highest levels of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and smoking rates.

Unfortunately for Americans, the United States as whole is failing when it comes to health. Compared to the international community, the United States average life expectancy is sixty-nine years, falling behind twenty-seven other developed nations. Leading at an average life expectancy of seventy-five years, Japan seems to be doing something right in the health department. Key factors contributing to the United States decline in health include the rising of obesity as well as a growing number of people who are uninsured.

Addressing this issue, Obama’s plan calls for an overhaul of the nation’s health care system with high hopes not to repeat the same line of costly mistakes of the Clinton Administration some 15 years ago, leading us into the negative health trends we are facing today. The Early Strategy Plan starts with giving the public a chance in voicing any concerns and experiences, which confronts a major criticism that former President Clinton’s plan had been too enigmatic. Other lessons include the need to move fast and to not let go until the job is done. According to Tom Daschle, Obama’s recently announced Secretary of Health and Human Services, “Details kill…if we get too far into the weeds…we’re going to get hung up on all the details and we’re never going to get to the principles”.

As wonderful as re-configuring the health care system sounds, the immense costs for restructuring the system are daunting. During his campaign, President-elect Obama planned to pay by increasing taxes on the wealthy and requiring larger businesses to either offer health coverage or supply some of their payroll to a new public insurance plan. However, this might prove to be difficult with the current economic situation and the United State’s seemingly insurmountable debt.

Author: Crystal Fontaine

President-elect Barack Obama announced Monday his selections for top officials that will lead him throughout his presidency, revealing a group of very experienced hands. Rounding out his top officials will be Robert M. Gates, who will remain as Defense Secretary, General James L. Jones as the new National Security Advisor, and after weeks of deliberation and speculation, Senator Hillary Clinton was officially announced as Secretary of State. As pointed out by many critics, Obama’s team characterizes a more veteran circle rather than the change that Obama has pledged throughout his entire campaign trail. Obama’s response is simple. He is trying to unite a more experienced group with fresh thinking, maintaining that change will come from him.

As a New York Senator, Clinton was not an idle woman. Mrs. Clinton served on the several Senate Committees, including the Senate Committee for Environment and Public works, Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions Committee, and Senate Special Committee on Aging. She is a big advocate for socialist-styled children programs and education as well as more affordable, quality health care. As Senator Clinton has focused on domestic issues, she has not ignored the international sphere. She has sponsored such bills as the S.RES. 92, which had called for an immediate and unconditional release of Israeli soldiers held captive by Hezbollah and Hamas. She also sponsored legislation to establish a commission on the conflict between Russia and Georgia, addressed the humanitarian crisis and potential security breakdown as a result of Iraqi refugees fleeing to neighboring nations, as well as many others. In addition, Mrs. Clinton has voted in favor of legislation such as H.R. 7081, which supports the United States-India Agreement for Cooperation on peaceful uses of Nuclear Energy.

According to Senator John W. Warner, “The triumvirate of Gates, Clinton, and Jones to lead Obama’s national security team instills great confidence at home and abroad and further strengthens the growing respect for the President-elect’s courage and ability to exercise sound judgment in selecting the best and the brightest to implement our nation’s security policies”. However, there are questions of how the Clintons will deal with potential conflicts of interests while Hillary serves her term as Secretary of State.

In the past few weeks, former President Bill Clinton has begun paving the way for smoother sailing for his wife. He has agreed to allow the State Department and White House counsel to vet his speaking schedule and to disclose the names of contributors to the Clinton Foundation. He is to step away from the day to day running of the foundation during his wife’s tenure as well as refuse any donations from foreign governments to the Clinton Global Initiative. He also has agreed to abstain from holding any meetings abroad.  Although he is paving the way for his wife’s new position, some believe former President Clinton should be given a more formal role in foreign policy, such as special U.S envoy on Kashmir. Perhaps the position would keep him busy and out of trouble?

Needless to say, Obama has chosen an interesting and experienced team, especially his choice of Secretary of State. Are his choices wise? Only time will tell.  

Author: Crystal Fontaine

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition for the term security states it is “the quality or state of being secure: as A: freedom from danger: Safety b: freedom from fear and anxiety”.  We all strive for a secure environment. A place safe from predators and anything else that may cause us harm. Generally, we are able to live our lives without too much fear of our safety being compromised.

Some of that security has been shaken, however, in recent years due to events such as 9/11 and the recent economic crisis, which has created a feeling of insecurity for those who may lose their homes.  Although a breach within our secure parameters has usually been of physical or mental form, today’s technology allows that breach of security to go one step further into the virtual plane. As most people today own a cell phone or subscribe to the internet, many of us are vulnerable to the curious and even dangerous minds within the virtual world. The President-elect remains no exception.

Recently, Verizon Wireless had to fire an undisclosed amount of employees, who were connected to a breach of records from a cell phone that was used by President-elect Barack Obama. According to Verizon, the employees are “hired to take care of customers” and Verizon’s standards for taking care of customers do not include employees snooping through phone records when they are not authorized to do so by the customer. The phone was a simple flip phone, which is no longer used by Obama. Although the employees could not read any text messages or listen to any voice mail that the phone may have received or sent out, they probably had access to the dates and times of calls, the lengths of the phone calls, and telephone numbers.

There is an investigation currently underway to determine whether the information acquired was shared only between the employees or if any of the information leaked outside the company. Employees will face the “appropriate disciplinary action…up to and including termination”, as indicated by Lowell McAdam.  Ars Technica stated that the employee’s actions fall outside the coverage policy of privacy laws because the laws generally only cover the content of communications, such as voicemail, and not the type of data they were able to access. The security breach follows speculations and concerns about security risks and compliance with federal laws, such as the Presidential Records Act, within the new administration. 

Author: Crystal Fontaine

Once again the debate over Stem Cell Research has been resurrected, causing an outcry from opponents. Although President-elect Barack Obama has just two months to go before he takes his inaugural oath and the oval office, there is the expectation that Obama, like many of his predecessors, will issue an abundance of executive orders that will reverse most of the Bush administration policies. One of those policies concerning many is the Bush Administration’s policy that banned Stem Cell Research.

Obama is an advocate for funding for stem cell research. He believes in the importance of stem cell research and how it might benefit thousands of patients with incurable or untreatable diseases. As a Senator for Illinois Senate, Obama supported legislation that allowed embryonic stem cell research in the state of Illinois. Obama, as a Senator in Congress, continued to support such legislation. He co-sponsored the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007, which amends the Public Health Service Act, expanding the number of human embryonic stem cells eligible for federally funding research. The bill did pass through Congress; however, the Bush Administration turned around and vetoed it. In addition, President-elect Obama supported other legislation such as the Alternative Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies Enhancement Act as well as the Fetal Farming Bill of 2006.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has raised a huge voice, warning that there are dangers of alienating millions if Obama lifts the ban on funding for stem cell research. According to the conference’s associate director of the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, the real question to the debate is should the “…Bush policy get replaced with the law of the jungle”. Should we open that door where scientists are given free rein to experiment by creating and cloning human embryos just in the name of scientific research and then discarding them after they have served their purpose?  For many, this is an emotional issue, leading all of us to dig deep down within. The moral implications hold strong.

Meanwhile, medical researchers are elated; holding their breath in suspense at the very probability of freedom from the governmental funding ban. According to scientists, the ban has obstructed hard work to develop life-saving treatments. For example, scientists declare that the cells taken from human embryos present the most potential in developing therapies or possibly even cures for diseases such as Parkinson’s, diabetes, and other diseases. The possible benefits to stem cell research are seemingly endless as so much could be learned. The existing policy has disheartened the field of stem cell research, causing many scientists from the United States to migrate to other nations where the research is flourishing to do their exploration.

There are strong arguments on both sides to the issue. Nevertheless, should we put a hold on possible treatments and cures in the name of morality? Is it right to do things that many view as playing God?  As indicated by an article in the Washington Post by Ronald Green, “There is no question that we must move ahead, but caution is the key”.

Author: Crystal Fontaine

I remember that day, the fateful day of September 11, 2001. It has become a day that no single American will ever forget. I was sitting, ironically, in a history class at the time, watching as history was being made right in front of my eyes on that television. There were feelings of outrage, disbelief, and even fear all across the nation. Suddenly, the security once felt had vanished within just a few hours.

History books will soon enough see the affects of such drastic acts.

Seven years have sped by since the attacks on the World Trade Center. Lives have changed. Times have changed. The United States is currently fighting two wars that seem to have no clear end in the near future. Security has tightened at the airports. Sometimes, it is almost worth driving now days to avoid the hassle of going through security. Although gas prices are lower than what the average American has become accustomed to, they still remain higher than what they were just a few years ago. Furthermore, the United States is currently navigating its way through a mortgage crisis paired with the financial crisis – both of which have made significant effects around the globe. Many people are altering the way they live (including myself) just to survive the high prices and live comfortably at the same time. The world certainly has become a different place.

Recently, General David Petraeus was promoted to the new Chief of the United State’s military’s Central Command, with the responsibility of overseeing the current wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. With this new title, General Petraeus made the important step of visiting Pakistan on Monday, November 3 – a nation extremely vital to coordinated efforts against terrorism. Shortly after his arrival, jihad militants carried out a rocket attack(s) on the airport in the city of Peshawar, which demonstrates a deterioration of security that needs to be addressed. General Petraeus met with several important officials during his visit, including Defense Minister Ahmad Mukhlar and army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. Pakistani officials warned him on Monday that the numerous missile strikes the American military have made on militant targets in Pakistan is creating anti-American sentiment. As of August 2008, Washington is suspected in at least seventeen missile strikes to counter insurgents.

The situation in the Middle East is an ugly one. Will there ever be peace? The United States has become entangled in a web that it cannot seem to release itself from. Where do we go from now? This web is now being handed down to a new Presidential administration. One that many believe will bring about the change we are seeking and desperately need. The United States has made it a mission to spread freedom and democracy throughout the world. However, we have also had our own faults.  Nevertheless, with this historical moment in time and as many across the world celebrate its significance, perhaps we can now truly exemplify the freedoms we have been trying to spread. Jimmy Carter said it best: “The best way to enhance freedom in other lands is to demonstrate here that our democratic system is worthy of emulation”.

Author: Crystal Fontaine

With the prices of gasoline at the pumps, one would almost assume that many people would be excited. One would think that the way people drive would revert back to the familiar ways of yesteryear. Finally, I can afford to fill up my tank again! Well, we are all probably relieved by the prices at the pump; however, people are still playing cautious. Many of us have changed the way we drive and the way we live our lives in order to save a few bucks here and there. I know I have and I probably won’t be changing my cautious ways anytime soon. With the very close upcoming presidential election, the weight of the current financial crisis is currently on every voters mind.

Throughout the campaigning, especially within the recent months, it has become a major concern and focal point. Both John McCain and Barack Obama backed President Bush’s $700 billion rescue package for the financial industry. Both believe in more tax relief for the middle and working classes; however, McCain and Obama differ in the taxation of high income earners. Obama would like to revoke the tax cuts that Bush made for those higher incomes, while McCain believes that is not necessary. Either way, the financial problems are definitely not going away any time soon.

America is not alone. The financial crisis has clearly become a global concern, with its impacts leaving no corner of the world untouched. Over the previous weekend of October 25, there was the annual Asia-Europe meeting, or ASEM. The ASEM is an informal process of dialogue and cooperation that brings together the member nations of the European Union and the EU Commission as well as sixteen Asian nations and the ASEAN Secretariat. The ASEM allows for these nations to debate informally over a variety of issues. At the ASEM, Premier Wen Jiabo of China called for new rules to guide the international financial system, following a call by Asian and European leaders for the International Monetary Fund to intervene and deal with the ongoing global financial situation.

According to Premier Wen Jiabo, “[w]e need to draw lessons from the crisis…We need financial innovation to serve the economy better. However, we need even more financial regulation to ensure financial safety”. No one denies that something should be done to help fix the world’s struggling economy. Current French President Sarkozy said that the ASEM summit was “helpful” for the promotion of efforts to tackle the problem. China appears ready on all counts to step up to the plate and take a lead role in fixing the credit crisis. If China does indeed decide to intervene it will be interesting to see if they honor their word or not, granted if other nations allow the proposal at hand. China has been a huge exporter of cheap consumer goods to the United States and other nations, beating nearly all other manufacturers around the world. With the economies of these nations on the fritz, China needs to begin turning its spending ambitions internally. An editorial in the New York Times claims that, “ To get China’s consumers to spend, the government will need to spend more at home, investing in public work projects and providing more social benefits—including health insurance and pensions…This is clearly Beijing’s interest, though China’s leaders are still clinging to the old export strategy”.

Author: Crystal Fontaine

With about one week to go in the Presidential Races, Barack Obama is still the preferred candidate. According to the Gallup Polls on October 21, 2008, Senator Obama was in a seven to ten point lead against Senator McCain.  The poll is based on likely voters, voters voting intentions, and past voting behavior. Although international opinions from countries around the world seem to play a significant role in this presidential race, there is little evidence as to how much impact their opinions truly make. However, the Gallup Poll reveals that in about seventy different nations, there is a near four to one preference for Senator Obama over McCain.

One has to remember that statistics are just statistics. Until the fateful day of the election, no one really knows who will be elected to office and no one really knows how well that particular candidate will do in office until he gets there. This past Sunday, Colin Powell interviewed on Meet the Press, announcing his endorsement towards Barack Obama. He admits to being close friends with John McCain and that both candidates are qualified; however, McCain would be just more of the same ole’ same ole. He described Obama as more of a “transformational figure”. Powell stated that “[b]ecause of Obama’s ability to inspire…the inclusive nature of this campaign, because he is reaching out all across America, because of who he is and his rhetorical abilities…he has both style and substance—he has meet the standard of being a successful president, being an exceptional president”.

Powell even referred to his own party as being discriminatory. Apparently, some Americans still believe that Obama is Muslim, and has possible affiliations with terrorists. According to Powell, Obama is Christian. I don’t know if Powell’s endorsement really means much, especially so close to the election. However, Powell does raise a good point. Even if Obama was a Muslim, what is wrong with that? What is so wrong with being different? If we were all the same, the world would be a dreary place to live (and politics would be a lot more boring). I wonder how many voters will go and vote just because Obama is black or because McCain is white. I wonder how many of those voters will deny the reason for their vote is based on color. We have come a long way in America, but the taint of discriminatory thoughts and actions still linger. Perhaps its human nature this judgment of character before we even get to know a person.

The idea in electing a President should be based on what each candidate stands for, their past records, etc. For instance, Obama co-sponsored the Senate Bill 1492, which sets out to develop the quality of federal and state data on ease of use and eminence of broadband services while giving the Nation more affordable services at the same time. McCain co-sponsored the Senate Bill 1810, amending the Public Health Services Act. This allows for better information and services to patients who are diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Obama wants to raise taxes. McCain believes in expanding alternative energy technology. These are just some of the issues we should be taking into account. The amount of challenges facing the presidential candidates this election truly are daunting, and will prove to become even more so as the current financial crisis is experienced more and more in all other parts of the economy, and in our personal lives. 

Author: Crystal Fontaine

As I was channel surfing (desperately trying to find a decent show to watch), something caught my eye for the first time: Dr. Phil’s show. Normally, I am not one for talk shows. However, the particular topic of the day drew me in like a fish: Human Trafficking, the modern day slave trade. The thought of it alone sends a cold shiver down my spine. Unfortunately, it is a huge problem that needs to be addressed.

Dr. Phil focused on women who had survived trafficking in the United States (yes, we are not immune). These women were either forced or tricked into prostitution. Human trafficking includes labor and sexual exploitation, involving women, children, and even men. According to the U.S Department of State, about 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked annually with the majority being women and children. There are many cases where people are sold by their families who are desperate for money and believe that no harm will come to that person. Usually, they are tricked into thinking they will have better lives. Many who are trafficked into the U.S are given hopes of the ever-famous American Dream.

The economy is struggling. The U.S presidential election is only one week away. We all have our concerns. Why worry about others that we may or may not be able to help when we are struggling ourselves? The United States has made some efforts in combating human trafficking but thus far none of them are even close to what is needed. These small efforts include Congress passing legislation so Americans who prey on children abroad could face up to 30 years in prison. Also, the Department of Health and Human Services is declaring that these victims may be eligible for the same support as refugees. Other government agencies have implemented plans to combat human trafficking as well.

Currently, Senate Bill 3061, sponsored by Obama’s Vice Presidential nominee Joe Biden, calls for appropriations for the years 2008 through 2011 for the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 in order to enhance measures to combat trafficking in persons. The bill outlines a plan for an anti-trafficking program monitoring system as well as authorization to establish the Paul D. Wellstone Presidential Award for Extraordinary Efforts in Combating Trafficking in Persons. S. 3061 would establish protection for aliens or work-based immigrants who may be victims and are willing to testify. Policies and procedures would be specifically made for unaccompanied alien children, guaranteeing them a safe return to their countries. The bill also includes the Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008, which prohibits finances for particular military and connected areas from being made accessible to the government of nations who are or have supported the use of child soldiers. Congress also has another bill pending, H.R. 3887, which gives additional policies and provisions in regards to human trafficking.

George Shaw once said, “I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.  I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live”.  Our economy may be undergoing a financial crisis, but we cannot forget that there are people out there who also need our help – even in our own backyard. 

Author: Crystal Fontaine

It boggles the mind to see people driving down the road while doing things other than completely paying attention to their surroundings. I suppose we all have the ability to multitask, right? Despite our confidences in doing more than one thing at a time, your risk of having an accident skyrockets if you are trying to drive while doing tasks such as applying make-up. We’ve all made excuses: I’m careful, I can still see what’s going on, I know this road like the back of my hand, etc. You may know the road well, but the drive isn’t exactly the same every day. Perhaps that is why there is an increasing, overwhelming concern for drivers talking and texting on their cell phones.

Several states have taken the initiative of banning talking on the cell phone and text messaging while driving. Recently, California Governor Schwarzenegger signed a law, SB 28, banning text messaging while driving. The bill was introduced by Senator Joe Simitian (D-CA). The legislation specifically prohibits the use of any electronic wireless communications device “to write, send, or read a text-based communication”. Motorists will be fined twenty dollars for the first offense and fifty dollars for each subsequent offense. A previous Californian bill passed in July requiring that motorists who use cell phones must use hands-free devices. In addition, drivers who are under 18 are not allowed to use their cell phones period. California is not alone in their quest to make the roads just a bit safer. For example, the states of Louisiana (SB 137), Minnesota, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Washington have all passed similar legislation.

However, there are some that believe the law is a bit excessive. It treads on people’s right of choice and the ability to make the decisions they feel are necessary despite what consequences may arise. Republican lawmakers have argued that the measure is another illustration of adding superfluous legislation to the Vehicle Code when there are already adequate regulations on the books. Assemblyman Chuck Devore, R., stated that there is “…already a blanket law that says reckless driving is illegal and if you cause an accident while recklessly driving, it’s a misdemeanor”. Regardless of opinion, no one is completely focused on their driving or, more importantly, on the other people driving around them when they are talking on their cell phone or sending a text message.

Over 200 million people in the United States use cell phones. In a 2004 MIT survey, it is just one invention that no one can live without…even if you hate it. The cell phone offers a variety of features that are fantastic and coincidently annoying, especially when you receive that 3 A.M text messaging from the Democratic Presidential nominee. However, we rely heavily on that little communications device despite its faults. As many have questioned before, is it really necessary to create a law banning it or certain features while driving? How easily would the law be enforced, especially since so many of us use the cell phone in our cars? What has the world come to if there is a need to make laws on simple, common sense issues?

Author: Crystal Fontaine

Recently, the issue over Iran’s goal of pursuing uranium enrichment technology within the nation’s borders has stirred a commotion. The Head of the U.S Nuclear Regulatory Commission stated that Iran has no foundation to engage in such uranium enrichment programs because there is a surplus abroad that is available to them. However, Iran insists on nuclear self-sufficiency. They do not want to be reliant on foreign supplies due to United States trade restrictions. In his last speech to the UN, President Bush accused Syria and Iran of supporting terrorism. He also advised the UN General Assembly to implement sanctions on Iran and North Korea over their Nuclear Programs. There is a fear within the governments of the United States and Europe that Iran may put their nuclear capabilities to sinister use, such as creating weapons. Iran insists that the only reason it wants to refine uranium is for electricity.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency they cannot determine if Iran is holding back on some of their nuclear activities. Iran has been delaying the investigative probe from the IAEA in the name of protecting itself. According to the Iranian government, the query could expose non-nuke military secrets (excuses, excuses). Some believe that the United States is using the UN agency for its own purpose of a confrontation with Tehran. The agency has been hijacked by Washington to carry out an anti-Iran campaign, according to Ali Ashgar Soltanieh. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately for some) the uranium enrichment process has gained momentum in Iran. According to David Albright, former UN Nuclear inspector and physicist, it takes a minimum of 1500 pounds of enriched uranium to produce the 45-60 pounds it takes for a simple nuclear bomb.  Iran has produced nearly 1,000 of those pounds of low-enriched uranium.

The U.S has slapped sanctions on Iran time and time again. Bills S. 3227, S. 3445, and H.R.3390 all impose sanctions on the country. S. 3227 amends Iran Sanctions of 1996 and subjects Iran to various economic sanctions. H.R. 3390 imposes sanctions on Iran and other nations for assisting Iran in the development of a nuclear program. In addition, the U.S inflicted sanctions on IRISL and 18 affiliates for supposedly bestowing support for Iran’s Weapons and Nuclear Program as well as fabricating documents. These sanctions prohibit U.S citizens from carrying out any transactions with them. However, Iranian’s president claims that there is wide-spread support in the international community for Iran’s nuclear position except the United States and some of its European pals. He also warns that if anyone is to target his nuclear facilities, then do not expect for him to sit idly by.  He blames the U.S for global financial problems, stating that its military interference in other nation’s affairs is the cause.

What is Iran’s real intention? Perhaps they really are just building up their nuke program for electricity, getting on the “green” band wagon. Politics is never simple. McCarthy cried “communist” during the tensions of the Cold War. Many believed him even though his accusations were unfounded. Maybe we too are crying “wolf” where we want to see one although he is not there.

]]> http://www.statesurge.com/news/quest-nuclear-independence-iran/feed 0 http://www.statesurge.com/news/palins-powerful-speech http://www.statesurge.com/news/palins-powerful-speech#comments Thu, 02 Oct 2008 21:13:12 +0000 jared http://www.statesurge.com/news/?p=104 I am neither Democrat nor Republican and personally have attempted to avoid all of the hub-bub in regards to the 08 presidential candidates because the press tends to be redundant, occasionally biased (who's ever seen equal coverage??), and, at times, just plain exasperating. However, the media has continued to taunt me with snippets of Palin's speech since the day I missed it and has tweaked my interest.]]> Author: Crystal Fontaine

I am neither Democrat nor Republican and personally have attempted to avoid all of the hub-bub in regards to the 08 presidential candidates because the press tends to be redundant, occasionally biased (who’s ever seen equal coverage??), and, at times, just plain exasperating. However, the media has continued to taunt me with snippets of Palin’s speech since the day I missed it and has tweaked my interest. Due to intrigue, I have managed to find the official text and see what all the excitement was about. During the Republican Convention, Sarah Palin proved herself to be an eloquent speaker. She stated all the right things we all want to hear. She’s a smooth one alright, spewing words to inspire, uplift, and make your toes tingle.

Palin’s acceptance began with praise of McCain, quickly leading into a humbling portrait of herself and her family. She spoke to our hearts as she told of her three month old son who has Down syndrome -the portrayal of a motherly, down-to-earth kind of woman that many of us can relate to. She goes on to discuss her experience as a small-town mayor, stating that she always sticks to her story, revealing that she never supported the Bridge to Nowhere and against lobbyists. This point raised red flags in my mind. According to various sources, Palin did support the Bridge to Nowhere at one time as well as hired a lobbyist that secured $27 million for Wasilla, Alaska while she was Mayor.

Governor Palin believes it is necessary to break “our dependence on dangerous foreign powers that do not have our interests at heart” by increasing our domestic oil supply specifically through drilling in Alaska. As much as I am for breaking our addiction to foreign oil, I disagree with drilling in Alaska. I believe that preserving the natural beauty and environment of the state is very important. It is virtually impossible to increase drilling and not harm the environment in some way. I do agree, however, on the importance of moving forward with alternative sources of energy. We are in a time of great energy demand changes and as more people are using more energy the concerns over global warming are skyrocketing.

As with any political campaign, one cannot leave out a little bashing of their opponent. According to Palin,Obama’s plan is to “make government bigger…take more of your money…give you more orders from Washington…and to reduce the strength of America”. “How will we be better off if these types of policies are made?” she asks. This is a valid question. The same could be asked of a McCain-Palin administration. Palin answers this by stating that McCain will use his career to promote change, mentioning his honorable journey from prisoner of war to Oval Office. McCain’s story is powerful and moving – a sound strategy for the Republicans. “For a season, a gifted speaker can inspire with his words. For a lifetime, John McCain has inspired with his deeds”. Leave it to the ever eloquent Palin to portray McCain as America’s hero.

Despite some twists of truth (what Politician doesn’t?), Palin made a valid argument for a McCain administration. Her words weigh heavy on our hearts, gaining my attention and millions of others. Perhaps I’ll become a Republican?

]]> http://www.statesurge.com/news/palins-powerful-speech/feed 0 http://www.statesurge.com/news/a-web-of-difference http://www.statesurge.com/news/a-web-of-difference#comments Wed, 01 Oct 2008 20:51:07 +0000 jared http://www.statesurge.com/news/?p=103 In less than a century, people advanced from horses and carriages to automobiles and airplanes. The turn of the century brought about a technological explosion with advancements emerging in every direction as demand for more efficient and swifter ways of doing things increased exponentially. Computers arrived with the internet not far behind, providing more fruitful ways to communicate across the boarder and file documents.]]>

Author: Crystal Fontaine

In less than a century, people advanced from horses and carriages to automobiles and airplanes. The turn of the century brought about a technological explosion with advancements emerging in every direction as demand for more efficient and swifter ways of doing things increased exponentially. Computers arrived with the internet not far behind, providing more fruitful ways to communicate across the boarder and file documents.

Unfortunately, Governor Palin does not show much of an opinion concerning the issue of technology and the internet. Perhaps it is not exactly high up on her priority list. As Governor, Sarah Palin record comes up short of incorporating any kind of technological policies. Nevertheless, Governor Palin has taken advantage of the internet some by creating an online training program for the workforce. The program, Alaska Career Ready, gives users the capacity to take a set of surveys to discover what abilities they have or may need for an assortment of preferred jobs. In addition, these users may select online courses for developing weak or under-skilled areas. This program allows for a faster and more efficient way for workers to evaluate their own skills and it provides a way to help them improve weaker areas. Despite these details, however, Governor Palin has not really taken any initiative on broadband policy. Unfortunately, Alaskans connect at a slow rate. She has also helped Alaskan residents’ access affordable healthcare through the Alaska Health Care Transparency Act. The act provides tele-medicine and tele-health initiatives that provide care to Alaska’s most remote residents. According to Palin, it is vital to the economy to improve and expand more efficient transportation.

Senator Joe Biden looks to have taken a bit more interest on the subject. Biden is a supporter of clean technology, co-sponsoring the Senate Bill 1177. The legislation would amend the Clean Air Act to establish a nationwide uniform air pollutant rigid program for the electric generating zone. In a 2006 hearing, Biden proved to be a skeptic of net neutrality as he questioned the need for preventative measures when no evidence presented itself. He believes that if everyone who felt those rights were being violated and were given a hearing, it would be impossible to handle every case. Senator Biden is also a strong supporter of copyright. In 2002, he asked the Justice Department to take a harsher position on copyright violation. A noteworthy effort on Biden’s part is the PROTECT Act of 2003, which made it a felony to forge keys to use for counterfeit software or to operate unauthorized computer programs. He also co-founded and co-chaired the Congressional International Anti-Piracy Caucus. Other noteworthy legislation on Biden’s repertoire includes S.1738 and S.223. Biden sponsored Senate Bill S.1738 to increase resources for regional computer forensic labs, among other things. S. 223, which he co-sponsored, requires senate candidates to file designations, reports, and statements in electronic form. Senator Biden was also a challenger of the FISA reform bill, strongly opposing warentless wiretapping.

On one hand, we have the fresh face of Sarah Palin, who seems more concerned about oil than technological and internet issues. On the other hand, there is the well-known face of Senator Biden, who seems to have realized the importance of these issues. Who will have your vote?

Author: Crystal Fontaine

Regrettably America remains ignorant concerning international affairs. We are so focused on our American lives that sometimes we tend to forget about the increasingly globalized world. Unfortunately, the media doesn’t always give us the full picture or even a much needed background of an issue we may all be unfamiliar with. Due to this, I wonder how many Americans actually know the details of the recent Russia-Georgia conflict. Or, perhaps an even more compelling question, where in the world Georgia is even located? No, I am not speaking about that lovely state on the East Coast. Let’s broaden our horizons, shall we?

Georgia is a small nation in South Western Asia, bordering the Black Sea between Turkey and Russia. One might say this small nation has been a thorn in Russia’s side. What has triggered the recent crisis? A series of clashes between Georgia and South Ossetia had prompted Georgian forces to react with force, launching attacks on August 7th. Georgia kept its grip on the capitol city of Tskhinvali for part of the next day. Russia reacted with bombing raids over the province and other targets throughout Georgia. It is unclear whether Russian forces entered before or after the attacks. On one hand, Georgia claims they attacked due to intelligence that a large procession of Russian amour was making its way to South Ossetia. Russia, on the other hand, maintains that they were only acting to defend Russian citizens in the area as well as Russian peacekeepers. Many civilians have escaped the South Ossetia area and traversed into the Russian Republic of North Ossetia. More than half or South Ossetia’s 70,000 citizens are said to have taken Moscow’s offer of Russian citizenship. Until recently, Russia said it appreciated Georgia’s territorial integrity. It was only looking out for Russian citizens. Putin announced it was unlikely for a South Ossetia-Georgia reunion.

The South Ossetia and Abkhazia areas both represent important territorial regions. In South Ossetia, there are crucial pipelines that carry oil and gas, while Abkhazia has some key tourist areas and important ports. South Ossetia fought for independence in 1991-92. It usually runs its own affairs. On August, 26, 2008, the Russian president announced it recognized S. Ossetia’s independence. The Ossetians are a distinct ethnic group, initially from the Russian plains south of the Don River. In the 13th century, they were forced southwards by Mongol incursions into the Caucus Mountains, settling along the Georgian border. The South Ossetians would love to reunite with their counterparts in North Ossetia. Georgia rejects the notion.

In recent years, Georgia has become a close ally to the United States. In recent years Georgian troops have worked closely with American troops in Iraq. The U.S, in turn, has helped train and arm the Georgian Army. Furthermore, the United States support Georgia’s goal of becoming a member of NATO. Recently, a resolution by the U.S Congress has been introduced concerning Georgian membership. H.CON.RES.409 supports awarding membership to Georgia and Ukraine in the December 2008 meeting. Congress believes that the expansion of NATO will bring more effectiveness. Also, Congress recently introduced the bill, H.R. 6851, which would provide assistance to Georgia with recovery. Both the United States and Europe have condemned the move for independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. According to NATO, the Russian declaration violated numerous U.N Security Council resolutions that Russia had initially supported.

The fight for independence and the widespread recognition of that independence is no stranger to America. As I am not an authority on the subject, I cannot say that the events in Georgia were right or wrong. Nevertheless, I will leave you with some food for thought. In the words of Thomas Jefferson, “…it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such Principles and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. . . .” (Declaration of Independence, 1776).

It seems this Presidential election will bring about some firsts in United States history: a black man as president or a woman as vice president. The announcement of the Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin as McCain’s Vice President has definitely evoked a strong reaction throughout the nation. Perhaps that is what the “maverick” was looking for? It has been highly noted that Palin lacks experience with only two years as Governor and before that a Mayor. Despite her lack of experience in foreign policy and such, Palin does have much experience with the general public, especially those in Alaska. What the real question we should be asking does not involve experience, but where does she stand on the issues.

Senator McCain announced Palin as someone “who can best help me shake up Washington”. Palin took office on December 4, 2006 as the first woman Governor of Alaska. As Governor, her top priorities have been transportation development, public health and safety, education and workforce development and resource development. The Palin Administration invested five billion dollars in state savings, implemented the Senior Benefits Program, and overhauled education funding. Governor Palin is well known for her advocacy in drilling for oil and natural gas in Alaska, specifically the Artic National Wildlife Refuge. Ironically, McCain and Palin have differing views concerning the topic. McCain opposes drilling in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge, while his opponent Obama supports the idea. Governor Palin agrees with Obama about completion of the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline. Also, Palin fought against legislation, sponsored by Senator Lieberman, which intended to designate the Artic National Wildlife Refuge as wilderness. She created Alaska’s Petroleum Systems Integrity Office, which provides oversight and maintenance of oil and gas equipment and facilities.

Although a bit of an outsider in the Republican Party, Palin has shown fearlessness throughout her years as Mayor and as Governor. She has gained a reputation of political purity, trying to clean up the mess of corruption. For instance, she resigned as chair of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission due to the deficiency of ethics moral principles in other Republican members. Palin left frustrated after her complaints of conflict of interests and legal violations within the committee. Governor Palin has served as chair of other committees as well. She currently serves as chair of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, promoting the preservation and effective recovery of domestic oil and natural gas while still protecting the environment, public safety, and health. Recently, she was appointed chair of the National Governors Association Natural Resource Committee. The committee pursues legislation to guarantee state needs are considered as federal policy is created in the areas of energy, environmental protection, agriculture, etc. She has passed two major pieces of legislation to overhaul state ethic laws and a completive process to construct a gas pipeline. In addition, Palin submitted the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act. The legislation is to act as a medium to get natural gas pipelines built and bring state’s extensive gas reserves to the market.

John McCain is known as the “maverick” in this campaign for presidency. Perhaps that is the very reason he chose Governor Palin to be his running mate. Together, they may indeed be the ticket to shake up Capital Hill and even the nation. “Leaders don’t wait. They shape their own frontiers. The bigger the challenge, the greater the opportunity” – Anonymous.

AUTHOR: Crystal Fontaine

It was glamorous, stylish, and even sexy. Photos portrayed beautiful women and men as an advertised: Try it and you’ll be like us. Popular celebrities were walking advertisements as well, influencing their adoring public. Today, the affects of this addictive substance on health is well known. Where long ago it was once looked upon as cool, many people now view it as disgusting and repulsive. The substance is known as tobacco, which is contained in products such as cigarettes.

The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, or H.R. 1108, protects public health by providing the Drug and Food Administration with certain authority to regulate tobacco products. Congress believes it is in the public interest to enact this legislation. The benefits to the American people would be significant in human and economic terms. The act lists numerous Congressional findings. Over the years, the Scientific and medical communities have concluded that tobacco products are intrinsically hazardous and cause cancer, heart-disease, and other serious unfavorable health affects. Today, many new users are usually under the legal age limit to purchase the products. Unfortunately, past efforts to curtail tobacco used by adolescents by inhibiting advertising and marketing has been unsuccessful; therefore, comprehensive restrictions on the sale promotion and distribution of such products are needed. Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of premature death in America. This product causes over 400,000 deaths in the U.S each year and roughly 8,600,000Americans have chronic illness linked to smoking.

Under the act, the Secretary shall establish within the Food and Drug Administration the Center for Tobacco Products, which shall report to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs. Each tobacco product manufacturer or importer shall submit various types

AUTHOR: Crystal Fontaine

The issue of energy is a popular, but very important, topic in the 2008 presidential race. It is an issue that reaches all of us, especially in our pocketbooks. As the election draws ever closer and recent spikes in gas prices begin to fall, we are faced with the decision that may either lead us towards greater energy independence and efficiency or leave us in the same ole’ rut.

John McCain’s strategy, or the Lexington Project, proposes to expand domestic oil and natural gas production as well as fund for alternatives in energy. He believes in lifting restrictions on drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf, putting our own reserves to use. According to McCain’s campaign website, the Outer Continental Shelf contains 77 trillion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas. McCain would push automakers, issuing a Clean Car Challenge that would create a substantial tax credit for the consumer based on the reduction of carbon emissions. While McCain supports Flex-Fuel Vehicles, he also supports the market for alternative energy sources, such as Solar Energy and Hydro. He proposes a $300 million prize to improve battery technology for fully electric vehicles and Plug-In Hybrids. In addition, McCain supports Nuclear Energy, which is a proven source of zero emission. The French may actually be on to something here, if we’d only pay attention. Currently, nuclear energy produces only 20% of our power. McCain’s goal is to construct 45 new nuclear plants by 2030, eventually constructing 100 new plants.

Obama provides a different strategy. He would like to crack down on excessive energy speculation by closing market loopholes and increasing transparency in order to thwart traders from unjustly lining their pockets. The plan calls for a swap of light oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve for heavy crude oil to help bring down those ghastly oil prices. Obama would like to see an increase in fuel economy standards, while establishing a national low carbon fuel standard to reduce carbon in fuels 10% by 2020. Also, there would be a “use it or lose it” approach concerning oil and gas leases. Under this approach, oil companies must develop 68 million acres of land which are leased but aren’t drilled in. He promotes responsible domestic production of oil and natural gas, prioritizing the assembly of the Alaska Natural Gas pipeline. Although he suppors more domestic production of oil and natural gas, Obama realizes the need for better and cleaner energy. He proposes $1 million of Plug-In Hybrids to be on the road by 2015. A $7000 tax credit would be created for purchasing advanced vehicles. In addition, Obama would ensure that 10% of electricity would come from renewable sources by 2012 and 25% by 2025.

Since man has walked the Earth, we have developed new and innovative ways to power our world, whether it was wood, coal, and now petroleum. What’s next on the list? Only time will tell. Whoever is elected this November cannot ignore the need for alternative energy sources.

Sources:
www.johnmccain.com
www.barackobama.com

AUTHOR: Crystal Fontaine

We all make choices every day. In November 2008, we must make a tough decision concerning the future leadership of our nation. Will it be John McCain or Barack Obama? One of the foremost concerns of the American public is the economy. Each candidate presents plans to solve, or at least help, our economic woes.

John McCain provides an economic plan that is to help relieve the American people. McCain’s plan involves a decrease in the price of oil and an increase in the value of the dollar. He believes a summer gas tax holiday should be implemented, suspending the 24.4 cent diesel tax and the 18.4 cent federal gas tax from Memorial Day to Labor Day. According to McCain, small business is the ticket to economic growth. He intends to help small business by reducing individual tax rates and permitting access to capital from small tax rates on dividends and capital gains. McCain would like to curtail expensive mandates as well as boost international competitiveness to keep jobs here in the United States. The mortgage crisis has affected many Americans all of the country; therefore, McCain proposes a new “Home Plan” to help those in need. This “Home Plan” would provide timely, vigorous, and targeted help. In addition, McCain’s plan calls for reform in Social Security and control of Medicare growth by supplementing current Social Security with personal accounts and improving on quality care.

Obama plans to jumpstart the economy through tax relief and relief for the current housing crisis. Obama proposes to establish $10 billion in a Foreclosure Prevention Fund as well as $10 billion in relief for state and local governments that were stricken powerfully by the housing crisis to avoid cuts in fundamental services. In order to protect home ownership and crack down on mortgage fraud, Obama resolves to create a new FHA Housing Security Program. He believes in mandating an accurate loan disclosure, requiring a Homeowner Obligation Made Explicit Score. In addition, he pledges for more accountability in the subprime mortgage industry. Obama’s plan includes a “Making Work Pay” tax credit, which could be up to $500 per person and $1,000 per family. He would also like to simplify tax filings for the Middle Class. Like McCain, Obama supports small business. A national network of public-private business incubators would be created, investing $250 million per year.

Whether Democrat, Republican, or out in the mid-field, we as United States citizens have a very important and tough decision to make this election year. Perhaps to make the decision easier, we should leave Florida out in this one. Just kidding, folks.

To learn more visit: www.johnmccain.com or www.barackobama.com

AUTHOR: Crystal Fontaine

Mark Twain once said that “[m]any public-school children seem to know only two dates—1492 and 4th of July; and as a rule they don’t know what happened on either occasion”. The education of our youth should be top priority. Education paves the way for future leaders, great philosophers as well as a better world and better opportunities. It opens up pathways that many may have not known existed.

House bill number 6525 proposes to amend the National Assessment of Education Progress Authorization Act to require State academic assessments of student achievement in U.S. History and Civics.

Certain findings by Congress paint a troubling picture. The 2006 National Assessment of Educational Progress demonstrated high percentages of students scoring below basic. In the subject of history, thirty percent of students in Grade 4 scored below basic. The percentages only go higher from there as thirty-five percent in Grade 8 scored below basic, while a whopping fifty-three percent in Grade 12 has the same scores. It is interesting to note that eighty-six percent (yes, you read right) of students in Grade 12 could not explain a reason for the U.S involvement in the Korean War.

Students seemed to fair a little better concerning Civics. Only twenty-seven percent of students in Grade 4 scored below basic. Students in grades 8 and 12 show a significant difference in percentage scores between history and civics. Only thirty percent in Grade 8 and thirty-four percent in Grade 12 scored below basic. Unfortunately, seventy-two percent of students in Grade 8 could not explain the historical purpose to the Declaration of Independence. That is simply amazing. According to the bill, there should be trail State academic assessment of student achievement in U.S civics and history from grades 8 through 12 in at least ten geographically diverse states. The states would be selected and identified to participate in the assessments with the consultation of the Commissioner for Education Statistics. In addition, H.R. 6525 allows for money appropriations of $7,000,000 for each fiscal year of 2008 and 2009 in order to carry out the United States History and Civics Assessments.

Although these percentages are just numbers, they still portray a disturbing fact. For one reason or another, our students are not doing so well concerning our nation’s history. I do not think I want to know what the percentage is of students not knowing how our nation was founded.

AUTHOR: Crystal Fontaine

Known as one of the worst humanitarian disasters in Africa, the Darfur Conflict has destroyed hundreds of thousands of lives. House Resolution 1351 portrays support and a call for the international community to come to the aid of the people of Darfur and the humanitarian efforts made by peacekeeping troops.

Since it gained its independence some forty three years ago, Sudan has spent more time in internal armed conflict than enjoying that independence. Just as one civil war ended with a peace accord in the Southern provinces, the Darfur Conflict emerged in 2003 as some issues still were not resolved within the nation. Many accuse the government of using aerial bombings and Janjaweed, an Arab Tribal militia, in response to the hostility and fighting. Khartoum officials deny the allegations. Hundreds of thousands of Darfur Refugees have fled with estimates of 180,000 people dead. Around two million have been displaced.

House Resolution 1351 states that seven UNAMID peacekeepers were killed with another 22 wounded on July 8, 2008. This attack is just one of several strings of attacks on aid workers. The UN Security Council had unanimously passed Resolution 1769, which had authorized the deployment of 26,000 peacekeeping troops to the area last summer. However, UNAMID has been thwarted by the Sudanese government and rebels since the decision. The UN announced on June 25, 2008, that UNAMID in Darfur lacked critical resources, including troops, police officers, and air transport. The resolution expresses Congresses condolences to the people of Rwanda, Ghana, and Uganda and to the family and friends of those killed and wounded. These attacks on UNAMID have been condemned. In addition, H. Res. 1351 calls upon the Sudanese government to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. There is urgency within the resolution for the international community as well as members of the UN to contribute resources necessary to ensure UNAMID’s success.

Recently, Mr. Ocampo, the International Criminal Court Prosecutor, has asked for the arrest of Sudanese President al-Bashir. Mr. Ocampo would like to see the Sudanese President indicted on war crimes charges and wants rebels to help investigate two of their own commanders accused of attacking African Union peacekeepers. The allegations on President al-Bashir have sparked angry protests. Some UN officials fear that there will be reprisals against UN peacekeepers and aid workers in Darfur. The African Union also feels that the peace process would be jeopardized if the charges are not dropped by the UN Security Council.

Hope is like a light at the end of the tunnel. The people of Darfur need hope and they need our help.

Outside sources
Washingtonpost.com
BBC News (news.bbc.co.uk)

AUTHOR: Crystal Fontaine

As a young American in the 21st century, I have never known oppression. I have never longed for freedom because I was born free with the ability to make my own choices and be whoever I want. Thousands every day live in fear of just speaking their own minds. As Americans we look on to those nations of tyranny half-way across the world. We sympathize, but never truly realize. One such nation lives in our very own backyard just 90 miles off the tip of Florida. That nation is Cuba.

US-Cuban relations have been virtually non-existent for decades. Since 1961, official US policy has been economic embargo and diplomatic isolation. Key issues for America’s “beef” with the island nation arise from human rights violations, Guantanamo Bay, and the Cuban exile community living in Southern Florida. During his administration, President Bush has kept things tight concerning Cuba. Americans may only visit immediate family once every 3 years with an allowance of up to $300 to carry into Cuba. In 2003, President Bush established the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba, where several Cuban-Americans sit. Under the CAFC, a fund called the “Cuba Fund for a Democratic Future” was developed to support independent civil society, finance university scholarships, and break the information barricade in Cuba.  Congress has been a little more lenient on the island by amending the trade embargo to allow agricultural exports from the U.S. to Cuba.

Earlier in 2008, Fidel Castro stepped down and relinquished command to his brother, Raul. Who else better to leave your throne to than family? The change in power has sparked a debate on future US-Cuban relations. Raul seems to have indicated a willingness to at least listen to what the U.S government has to say. Perhaps it hasn’t gotten as much media time as the energy debate, but Cuba is still an important topic for the 2008 Presidential race. McCain and Obama have similar, yet different views concerning Cuba. John McCain would keep the embargo in place and not permit economic aid. In general, he has voted in support of restrictions on Cuba. In 1992, he cosponsored the Cuban Democracy Act. According to McCain, he would “press the Cuban regime to release all political prisoners unconditionally, legalize all political parties, labor unions, and free media and to schedule internationally monitored elections”. Barack Obama would also not lift the embargo unless Cuba liberates its political prisoners, start instituting free press and take other steps to democratize. He has voted twice to cut off TV Marti Funding.  However, Obama looks to stabilize relations at some point. He would allocate for unrestricted family travel and remittance to the island. In his May 2008 speech in Miami, Obama stated “There are no better ambassadors for Freedom than Cuban-Americans”.

The change in leadership within both nations may bring about more diplomatic relations in the future. Perhaps, one day we will see a free Cuba.

AUTHOR: Crystal Fontaine

We’ve all been warned by our parents time and time again as children that talking to strangers is bad. Of course, there are the exceptions. Your friends at school had once been strangers. In a time where technology has brought us the computer and then the internet, one of the scariest things that parents may face is their child ignoring the “Don’t Talk to Strangers” advice and making online “friends”. Sometimes, these so-called friends are not who they said they were. When a child decides to meet their online “friend”, there are times when that child goes missing.

The internet is probably the hardest area to regulate, especially to protect our children. Senate bill number 1965, also known as Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act, proposes an effort to protect our children from such cybercrimes produced by online predators and to educate parents in protecting their families from inappropriate materials online. In order to educate the public, the Federal Trade Commission would carry out a nationwide program that provides awareness as well as promoting strategies in safe use of the internet for children. The Commission would provide a yearly report to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation describing the activities carried out by the program.

The act also proposes to establish an Online Safety and Technology working group comprised of representatives from the business community and other appropriate groups to evaluate efforts to promote online safety and the practices of service providers in preserving the law in connection with crimes against children. After the first year that this group would convene a report will be submitted to the Committee on Science, Commerce, and Transportation and the Assistant Secretary that would give details of their findings. The report is to also include recommendations to increase effectiveness of any strategies or technologies.

Despite the efforts of the government, there is only so much they can do. It is up to the parents to make sure that their children are practicing safe ways to surf the internet.

AUTHOR: Crystal Fontaine

Each of us takes for granted everyday such simple things as driving to the store or flying towards that summer destination.  We are surrounded by means of transportation, or should I say machines of transport everywhere we go. Today, prices are outrageous concerning these machines and regulations pop up everywhere. Nevertheless, without them, I believe we would not know what to do with ourselves. Bill SB 930 deals with these modes of transport and their regulations.

Under the bill, SB 930 states that materials purchased for the repair, maintenance, or manufacture of aircraft that are used as general carriers of people and property will be exempt from local and state sales tax. Along with this exemption, the Aviation Trust Fund has a new cap of $10 million that may be credited from generated jet fuel sales tax. The act also allows the use of $2 million from the Aviation Trust Fund to be employed towards the study and promotion of extended domestic or international commercial service and to aid sponsors who partake in the federally financed air service program supporting intrastate service. According to the act, there must be at least $6 million in the fund from the previous year before the fund can be utilized for the objectives mentioned above.

In addition to aviation, the bill recommends certain criteria for everyday road vehicles. The bill proposes a requirement for state patrol to establish a program that will certify local law enforcement concerning commercial motor vehicle laws. These measures are to meet any requirements established by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. As of January 1, 2009, only law enforcement officers who are certified may be able to conduct roadside inspections to determine compliance with commercial vehicle laws. However, those officers not certified in commercial vehicle laws can stop the vehicle if there is any visible defect that may cause harm to the public around them.

The act also proposes to remedy the latest Supreme Court ruling which asserted that a defendant’s previous plea of guilt may not be employed to enhance the penalty for the defendant’s new intoxication offense.  Under section 577.023, a previous verdict of guilt combined with a fine, imprisonment, and so forth may be treated as finding prior guilt for the purpose of enhancing punishment. Currently there is an ignition interlock device law for repeat DWI offenders. SB 930 aims for the law to be an administrative requirement that will be enforced by the Department of Revenue. Offenders must provide proof that their vehicles are equipped with these devices and the devices must be operational on all vehicles operated by the person for at least six months. The moral of this story is: Be Smart. Please don’t drink while driving.

In concluding, it is important to maintain and establish rules from the air to the ground. It is also our duty as citizens to recognize these rules and to stand by them.

AUTHOR: Crystal Fontaine

Many people enjoy making a splash to beat the summer heat. On most occasions, if you do not own a pool and you aren’t going to the lake, people generally pay to go to a swimming facility.

House bill number 1341 proposes to establish what may be referred to as “Ethan’s Law”. This Ethan’s Law declares that any owner of a business-related, privately owned swimming pool is to maintain adequate insurance coverage. The owners of such swimming facilities will be required to register with the Department of Public Safety and provide proof that they do have the adequate insurance coverage. According to the act, the coverage must entail the amount of at least one million dollars per incident in the event of an injury or death.

Those that do not abide by Ethan’s Law will be subject to a civil penalty of $250 each day up to a maximum of $10,000 that the facility remains in operation with continued violation. Any owner of the facility will also be liable for the costs that may accrue by the state and political subdivision that enforce the law. For those that think they may get away without the mandatory insurance coverage, please beware. Any person who deliberately breaches Ethan’s Law is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.  What does that mean? Well, that means legal action will be taken and you may be shut down.

Under the bill, the Department of Public Safety as well as local law enforcement has the responsibility to enforce the regulations stated in HB 1341. Also, any insurance company providing coverage to these swimming facilities must inform the Department of Public Safety if the proprietor(s) decides to either terminate their coverage or fail to renew their coverage. Remember that ignorance isn’t an excuse.

AUTHOR: Crystal Fontaine

Summer has finally arrived, bringing the typical blazing hot days and the occasional weather emergency. This is the time of the year to crank up the A/C, go to the lake, and relax. Hopefully, there are some of you out there that will scribble, in your demanding schedules, time to look at what concerns and issues are being brought up in your Missouri legislation. Since hotter days are on the horizon, it is only appropriate to mention the act SB720.

In section 393.108 of SB720, there is the establishment of the hot weather rule similar to bills SB 11 and SB 955. The hot weather regulation is applied to the period between June 1st and September 30th. Let’s just hope there is a cold weather rule, otherwise electricity only runs a half year guarantee and wouldn’t that be ghastly? Under the rule, providers of natural gas and electricity are prohibited from disconnecting their services to residents on those days when going to the mailbox seems like crossing the desert. Whatever did we do without our current A/C systems and ice makers? I feel a little spoiled.

Coinciding with the hot weather plan, the Utilicare Stabilization Fund no longer has a five million dollar cap, but is subject to appropriations each fiscal year. Providers of heating or cooling can sink their teeth into $200 more from the $600 to the $800 allowed from the Utilicare Stabilization Fund. This will be only on the behalf of eligible households. The act also requires that the Department of Social Services utilize a portion of the funds to the Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program.

Sections 393.171 and 1150 of the bill deal with the construction of electric plants. The Public Service Commission may sanction the production of an electric plant after it has been constructed; however, no approval or permit will deteriorate any private suits or claims against the constructed electric plant and any costs will be prohibited to be recovered from ratepayers. Any plants illegally constructed after the date of August 28, 2008, will be subject to awarding triple the amount of damages to the plaintiff’s real estate with the addition of any fees accrued in a claim.

Finally, bill SB720 creates the Manufacturer Responsibility and Consumer Convenience Equipment Collection and Recovery Act. Try saying that 20 times in a row. What all does this entail? Manufacturers, in order to sell their computers in Missouri, are obligated to utilize recovery plans for the collection and recycling of their obsolete equipment. The plans must be submitted to the Department of Natural Resources. Also, manufacturers must label their equipment. If violations occur, the Department of Natural Resources and the Attorney General are given the authority to assess penalties.

Bill SB720 may seem minuscule in the great scheme of things; however, it is critical to understand that every piece of legislation is important and does affect each one of us. If it wasn’t, then electrical companies and manufacturers could do whatever they pleased.