Author: Sarah Riordan

Dog fighting is in no way an acceptable practice.  Can you even imagine taking a furry creature…man’s best friend…and intentionally placing them in a situation that will cause them great harm?  The thought is repulsive.  Any human being with even an iota of a soul would find the idea nothing short of horrifying.

That’s most likely why…recognize this name…John Kerry decided to sponsor bill S.1880 .  The bill proposes to add dog fighting to a list of crimes mentioned in Animal Welfare Act.   The cosponsors on Kerry’s bill are equally as recognizable personalities with names like Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Joe Lieberman appearing as supporters of Kerry’s efforts.  The problem isn’t the bill, as stated before.  With the exception Michael Vick, just about everyone can agree that dog fighting should be illegal.  The problem is that Kerry’s bill is in fact, highly unnecessary. 

Now this may be pretty general knowledge, but for the sake of making a point, let’s just go through how our great nation works. There is and always has been a centralized government, but the idea was to keep that central government somewhat small.  Instead of having one government that controls everything on every level, we have local governments.  We have a mayor, a governor, a state senate, elections…everything that makes up a government can be found on a local level.  This was actually a brilliant move.  A centralized government can’t necessarily tell what is good for an individual state from afar.  Each state has its own identity.   Illinois for example, has ample amounts of flat farmland.  Its neighbor Missouri however, has far too many rocks and hills in most areas to produce crops.  So, Missouri has a different set of needs than Illinois. And, because they both have their own government, they can make decisions based on their specific needs.

At this point, you’re probably wondering what this has to do with dog fighting.  Well, as it turns out, all 50 . . . count them . . .50 . . . U.S. states already have laws prohibiting dog fighting.  That’s why Kerry, despite his most likely noble intentions, is wasting Congress’s time.  If each state already says it’s illegal, then it is, in fact, illegal!  Anyone who violates state law is a criminal and will be prosecuted regardless of what Congress says. 

Though no one can read a person’s mind, Congress’s tendency to continually overlap state law makes a person wonder if Congress really has any respect for a state’s rights to begin with.  If they did follow the rules and allow states to govern themselves to a degree, they wouldn’t be so concerned with making laws that already exist.   Our centralized government has become so large and has their hand in so many things, that they can’t help but overlap state laws. 

The truth is, as taxpayers, we’re paying the salary of John Kerry and every other member of Congress.  Therefore, this bill is a waste of my money.  Kerry is wasting his, and everyone else’s time, trying to criminalize a problem that has already been criminalized.  Congress, stop wasting your time and our money attempting to pass laws that already exist.  

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: Jared Fallon

We all know that George W. Bush will go down in history as one of the most profoundest presidential “quoters” in US history. His long list of power-packed comments will be missed by all as the smooth-talking Illinois Senator rises to be the next leader of the “free world.” As Bush passes the torch to Obama there will undoubtedly be a long, long trail of people waiting for the “change” that Obama promised for so long. And yet, ironically, the 6^th longest-running Democratic Senator in US history is never very far behind…

Regardless, President Bush’s wise words to Obama were consistent with many of his world- famous speeches. According to Bush spokesperson Dana Perino, Bush advised “You are about to go on one of the great journeys of life. Congratulations and go enjoy yourself.” Time can only tell whether or not Obama can provide the change he promised, but one thing is certain: the American public is tired of leaders considering the US presidency as nothing more than “one of the great journeys”. If Obama does enjoy himself, let’s just hope that he doesn’t choose to do it Texas-cowboy style…

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. 

Russia. No other country in recent past has had so many confirmed near-nuclear experiences, discolored alliances, and bitterly cold disputes with the United States. Many signs are clear that Russia wants its reemerging global presence to be known to all – while the United States is increasingly receiving pressure to slow down its rapid military spending habits and hegemonic pursuits. Many critics believe that since 2007 Russia announced its newest military doctrine the page has finally turned for the two rivals. Russia’s stance on NATO’s eastward expansion and the US’ presence in the region has never changed, viewing the moves as “reckless”, “dangerous”, and “not unnoticed.” Russia’s 07 doctrine outlines what its commanders should be preparing for if the nation were to get into war. This of course, coupled with Russia’s recent and worrisome Venezuelan agreements should have Americans questioning McCain’s and Obama’s plans for US-Russian relations.

In a consistent manner with most of the world Obama, in general, is seen with much higher favorability than his Republican opponent. The general perception that we hear is based on McCain’s warnings of “dangers posed by a revanchist Russia” and a sense of urgency to increase political pressures on the quickly strengthening Moscow. It is clear enough that the Arizona Senator’s plans for Russia will not be viewed favorably by both Putin and Medvedev. In addition, more recent comments from Palin in reference to Russia make it clear that no matter how foreign policy will be decided Russia will not appreciate the Republican Party. But what about Barack Obama? Despite the general American perception that Obama would be much more…tender, on Russia the reality is that no matter who wins November’s election affairs between the US and Russia can, and will become much, much more intense. How much more intense should be at the forefront of the respective countries’ citizens, and the rest of the world for that matter.

Senator Obama so far has played his overall stance on Russia down, allowing criticism to be directed at the Republican Party. But yet the facts point to a much more hard-line policy that leaves Moscow unsettled. Instead of Obama criticizing Bush’s lack of hard-line actions towards Russia Obama stated that the President “…proceeded to neglect our relationship with Russia at a time when Putin was strangling any opposition in the country when he was consolidating power.” As the conflict between Georgia and Russian heightened Obama cited Russia has having no possible justification for the attacks, explaining further that Russia should not move towards a “regression to conflicts of the past”, ignoring the recent developments that NATO has taken closer and closer to Russia’s borders. Each of these developments received sharp criticism by most Russians in political circles. Shortly afterwards, one of Obama’s foreign policy advisors, Zbigniew Brzezinski, compared Putin to Hitler – a risky move against a Prime Minister that continues to hold great sway over the country and its affairs. Furthermore, Stanford University Professor and Obama’s senior advisor on Russia, Michael McFaul, is viewed by Russian political officials as being “consistently harsh on political developments in Russia.”

McFaul is not only considered “Obama’s top Russia strategist” by Russian political officials, but is known for his sharp criticism of the Kremlin – especially in the area of foreign affairs. McFaul is deeply respected in the US for his council on Russian affairs and democratic policies around the globe but ironically shares many of the same views as McCain. Whether or not you believe Obama would take drastic measures on Russia, his political party affiliation must be taken into account as well. Despite the fact that Republicans are proving themselves to be extremely talented at long, drawn out wars, Democrats are not all as hug-friendly as Clinton was. The three biggest conflicts that shaped the 20^th century as we know it were all initially overseen by democrats. Woodrow Wilson and World War I, Franklin Roosevelt and World War II, and Harry Truman and the Cold War. Another interesting dimension is to remember Obama’s 6^th longest serving Senator in US history, Joe Biden. Biden’s subtle but strong criticism of Russia’s recent conflict with Georgia should not go unnoticed simply because he isn’t as obnoxious about the Alaskan Governor with no US-Russian relations experience.

If Obama does indeed take the presidency escalating urgency for improved affairs with Russia will not be as rosy as most Americans like to believe. Setting aside whether or not Obama follows in the footsteps of Democrats past, as Russia continues to show its reemerging presence time will only tell the degree to which the US will need to respond. The interesting factor is that it Russia will most likely not be able to tell the difference between McCain and Obama, which partially explains Russia’s latest bold military moves so close to Election Day. The lack of US foreign policy flexibility will prove to be a drastic problem for America as Russia gets back on its feet and starts running. Russia is simply becoming too great of a power with too many strings attached around the globe for the US to continue along its same lines of action. Sooner or later, as the US non-so-allies continue to strengthen relations with Russia, there will be a tipping point for change. We simply cannot remain on the same tedious tight rope we are balancing on right now. Either way, when examining Obama and McCain’s stances on Russia it becomes abundantly clear that Americans simply do not have much of a choice for this election unless something changes significantly within the next month. For further examination of these views, look up Obama’s most recent actions towards Russia or Google his support of NATO expansion and development.

The bill S.3297 should go down in history books as one of the most comprehensively vague bills ever proposed. The bill’s official description alone should raise red flags around the nation: “A bill to advance America’s priorities”. The bill was first proposed by Harry Reid and currently has 7 co-sponsors, including the heavy hitters Edward Kennedy, Joseph Lieberman, and Joe Biden. The sheer amount of topics covered by this bill should be enough for months of debate on end and yet the bills progress is moving quite rapidly despite the fact that it was introduced only two months ago.

Topics covered in the staggering 400 page proposal include increased Lou Gehrig’s Disease research and funding, the establishment of national paralysis programs, increased Secretary of Health and Human Service controls for vision care for children, Homeless Youth Act reforms, increased jurisdiction for the DOJ’s authority for child pornography investigation and prosecution, the establishment of the Star-Spangled Banner and War of 1812 commemoration, amendments to the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998 (waterway regulation), increased funding for various Appalachian regional development programs, amendments to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, the authorization of funding over a 10-year period for “capital and prevent maintenance projects for the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area Transit Authority”…..the list goes ON and ON, and no bill to “Advance America’s priorities” should ever go without the establishment of a national ocean exploration and underseas research program with the NOAA. In order to truly appreciate the depth and breadth of this proposal you’ve got to see it for yourself.

Proposals like this are so power-packed with so many big supporters that one must question how many favors and friends are being satisfied in only 400 pages – these legislators truly are good friends to have. There is no implication here that any of these legislators are necessarily trying to propose all of these reforms unnoticed, but why does more transparency not exist? Chances are you’ve never heard of this proposal before reading this posting, but if you have ever heard of the Smithsonian, the Holocaust, the Great Lakes, the Department of Justice, the Star-Spangled Banner or debates on child pornography, this bill might be for you. Also, one of the upsides about this bill is if you have any other interests or hobbies not affected by the text above chances are you can find it here. Don’t take this posting’s word for it, please do check the proposal out for yourself and truly grasp the close relationship of vagueness and politics.

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: Jared Fallon

The word “change” has become one of the most paramount and beaten to death aspects of the 2008 Presidential Election. Given the average American’s view of President Bush and the War in Iraq, for most people it is no wonder that such a simple slogan could literally be the one-word brand that reminds everyone of Barack Obama – a man of many firsts. Aside from landmarks such as being the first black president of the Harvard Law Review and the first African American nominated for President by the Democratic Party, the dimensions Obama brings to this Presidential race are deep. The intriguing thing about Obama’s strategy for running predominately on the concept of change is that his VP pick is exactly the opposite of the kind of change that many Obama supporters desire.

Joe Biden is a seasoned product of the Hill that began his political career as a Delaware Senator when Obama was only 10 years old. Since then he has made many landmarks – most of which are not “change”, but a reincarnation of what many Obama supporters are avoiding the Republican Party for. Biden was not only awarded the “Face for the Future” by Time Magazine his first senatorial term but now stands as the sixth-longest serving senator in history. To get some insight into the long list of legislation Biden has been involved in, click here. For Obama and Biden dual-sponsored bills, click here. Is this the type of “change” Obama’s supporters are looking for? Obama might have just killed his chances.

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