As Americans are still trying to figure out the pros and cons of the proposed “bailout”, Sen. John McCain is attempting to decide his stance on the bailout plan. With Election Day looming, McCain’s decision could play a sizeable role in the minds of voters.
On one hand, conservative Republicans are reluctant to contributing a large amount of taxpayer’s money to the crisis on Wall Street. On the other hand, the White House, along with Democrats and Republicans, believes that the bailout is needed to divert a “potential economic disaster. http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/09/26/america/26campaign.php?page=2?pass=true
McCain needs the support of conservative Republicans. It took them awhile to come around to McCain, but the selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate made them buy into his candidacy. Otherwise, he could possibly lose their votes which would be a big blow to his chances at becoming the next president.
McCain is adamant that the bailout includes a group that observes the treasury secretary, and limits the compensations of executives of financial institutions applying for loans. https://mail.quinnipiac.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=013ee892631642749d046cefef31e443&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.msnbc.msn.com%2fid%2f26940815%2f
The other presidential candidate for the upcoming election, Sen. Barrack Obama, completely disagrees with how President Bush and his administration are going about their bailout plan. As it stands, the current plan would have taxpayers give money and have decreased benefits. These benefits would in turn go to high-paid executives that are involved in the bailout.
Obama said of the current bailout plan, “It is wholly unreasonable to expect that American taxpayers would or should hand this administration or any administration a $700 billion blank check with absolutely no oversight or conditions when a lack of oversight in Washington and on Wall Street is exactly what got us into this mess.”
In order for the bailout to work, Obama believes the plan must be outlined by four principles:
1. A ban on generous payouts for "irresponsible CEOs on Wall Street."
2. Using a bipartisan independent board to oversee the bailout’s execution instead of Treasury Secretary, Hank Paulson, having sole control.
3. An investor stake for taxpayers.
4. Assisting those in danger of being foreclosed on.
According to Shailagh Murray of the Washington Post, Obama also would call for a stimulus package. However, this package would be omitted from the bailout bill.
In the current plan either the taxpayers or financial system will suffer. Obama says, “It is absolutely wrong to suggest that we cannot protect American taxpayers while still stabilizing our market and saving our financial system from collapse. We can and must do both.”
On Monday September 29, both John McCain and Barack Obama decided to carefully endorse President Bush’s projected bailout plan. This plan allows the administration to use billions of dollars that belong to taxpayers, in order buy the falling properties of the troubled financial firms.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Lost Remote: Outside.in offers blogs free story maps
This article was about a site in which bloggers can tag their submissions and have them show up on a map to locate where they are coming from. This is a pretty neat innovation for bloggers to use. Who knows, maybe it could be something that we could incorporate into our blogs so people can see where exactly the posts are coming from. I was able to find the article after I scrolled down the front page. It seems like this site doesn't really have certain sections for certain articles, which I feel would make articles easier to find.
Athletes Influence on the Election
In today's day and age, young adults are influenced by various things in life. They are influenced by family, friends, teachers, celebrities, athletes, and other various figures. This year's presidential election is another event where young adults will be influenced by various aspects in their lives in regard to which candidate to vote for.
It is interesting to evaluate an athlete's opinion on the candidates in this year's election and the impact their opinion may have on first time voters. Sports are as much a part of this country's landscape as politics are. Numerous professional athletes have already publicly endorsed either Barack Obama or John McCain. This obviously allows voters to be influenced to vote for one candidate over another because of who a particular athlete supports. If you think about it, this is a smart tactic for the candidates to employ. If a voter is undecided, the fact that a particular athlete or celebrity is backing one of the candidates may be enough of a reason for the voter to cast their vote for that candidate.
When asked if he would vote for either Barack Obama or John McCain because a certain athlete supports one of them, junior Tyler Chaput had this to say: "No, I have already formulated my opinion as to which candidate I feel is best suited for the position of President of the United States. I would not change my vote from one candidate to the other just because an athlete that I admire supports that nominee." Junior Tim Herre put a different spin on the question. "I would not necessarily say I would vote for a candidate because an athlete supported him, however, knowing an athlete endorsed the same nominee that I did would make me feel better about my selection. Sharing a common bond with an athlete, however small it may be is pretty cool.
Young voters could learn a lesson from a young athlete named Greg Oden. For those who don't know, Greg Oden is the center for the Portland Trail Blazers of the NBA. Oden, like many 20-year-olds, will be taking part in his first election. In an article written by Michael Wilbon of The Washington Post, Oden delivers a quote that many young voters could draw a lot from. Oden says, "If the person I vote for wins it's gonna be because of my one little vote; at least that's what I'm gonna think. I think everyone should think that way. This will be my first presidential election to participate in as a voter and I hope that you younger voters will get involved. I think our votes can really influence the outcome so go out, register and vote for who you think is the best candidate to be the best leader for this country."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/28/AR2008022804230.html
Oden is not trying to get young voters to support Barack Obama or John McCain; he is just trying to get first time voters excited to be able to exercise their right to vote. This is an athlete who young voters should allow themselves to be influenced by because he is sending a positive message.
It is interesting to evaluate an athlete's opinion on the candidates in this year's election and the impact their opinion may have on first time voters. Sports are as much a part of this country's landscape as politics are. Numerous professional athletes have already publicly endorsed either Barack Obama or John McCain. This obviously allows voters to be influenced to vote for one candidate over another because of who a particular athlete supports. If you think about it, this is a smart tactic for the candidates to employ. If a voter is undecided, the fact that a particular athlete or celebrity is backing one of the candidates may be enough of a reason for the voter to cast their vote for that candidate.
When asked if he would vote for either Barack Obama or John McCain because a certain athlete supports one of them, junior Tyler Chaput had this to say: "No, I have already formulated my opinion as to which candidate I feel is best suited for the position of President of the United States. I would not change my vote from one candidate to the other just because an athlete that I admire supports that nominee." Junior Tim Herre put a different spin on the question. "I would not necessarily say I would vote for a candidate because an athlete supported him, however, knowing an athlete endorsed the same nominee that I did would make me feel better about my selection. Sharing a common bond with an athlete, however small it may be is pretty cool.
Young voters could learn a lesson from a young athlete named Greg Oden. For those who don't know, Greg Oden is the center for the Portland Trail Blazers of the NBA. Oden, like many 20-year-olds, will be taking part in his first election. In an article written by Michael Wilbon of The Washington Post, Oden delivers a quote that many young voters could draw a lot from. Oden says, "If the person I vote for wins it's gonna be because of my one little vote; at least that's what I'm gonna think. I think everyone should think that way. This will be my first presidential election to participate in as a voter and I hope that you younger voters will get involved. I think our votes can really influence the outcome so go out, register and vote for who you think is the best candidate to be the best leader for this country."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/28/AR2008022804230.html
Oden is not trying to get young voters to support Barack Obama or John McCain; he is just trying to get first time voters excited to be able to exercise their right to vote. This is an athlete who young voters should allow themselves to be influenced by because he is sending a positive message.
Monday, September 15, 2008
CT Weblogs (My Opinion)
Recently, I read an article on Dow dropping 504 points, or 4.5%. I located this article from ctweblogs.com. Upon entering the site, I first noticed how it was laid out. I liked how it had the most recent posts listed right down the middle of the page. I also liked how the goal of the website was stated in the upper right-hand corner of the page. I think it is important to know why someone would create a page such as this one. Underneath the goals of the site was a list of categories in which you could find specific articles. To me, this is an important aspect of any website, regardless of the theme. Being able to find articles on specific topics in one click is very convenient. I would say that I was pretty satisfied with the way the site was presented, and the content that it displayed was fairly interesting.
"Jock the Vote"
Gone are the days in which athletes turned a blind eye to politics. In this year's presidential race, we are seeing more athletes endorse either Barack Obama or John McCain. Athletes are also becoming more educated on the issues that surround this year's election, realizing that regardless of their celebrity status, they too will be affected by the outcome of the election.
In a recent article in the September 8th issue of Sports Illustrated, L. Jon Wertheim tackled the issue of where athletes stand in the upcoming election. http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1144917/1/index.htm
Los Angeles Clippers point guard Baron Davis is an avid Obama supporter. Last year, Davis was the host of a fundraiser in which he was able to introduce Sen. Barack Obama to the audience. However, this event was not the first time that Davis had met Obama. Davis traveled to Washington in 2006 to meet with Obama and discuss the limited educational opportunities in the inner city. This is a welcome sight; to see an athlete who is concerned with an issue that does not directly affect him. It is refreshing to see an athlete like Davis who is worried about something other than an endorsement deal or a new contract.
Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling is a devoted McCain supporter. Schilling, who is never at a loss for words, publicly supports McCain through his renowned blog, 38pitches.com. Schilling has also been involved in a few ads for John McCain's campaign. Like Davis, Schilling also played the role of a host for one of John McCain's meetings before the 2008 New Hampshire presidential primary. Schilling introduced McCain, much like Davis did Obama, but Schilling actually remained on stage to answer political questions along with the Republican nominee. From this we can see that Schilling is not just some jock who doesn't know anything outside of sports. Clearly, he must be an educated man if he was able to share the stage and field the same questions as the man who could possibly the next president.
Today, we can see that athletes are becoming more inclined to enter the world of politics. Athletes may be beginning to realize that they can use their celebrity status to endorse a particular candidate. By doing so, they can show their fans a side of them that they normally would never see. The fans could then take it upon themselves to ponder why a particular athlete supports a certain politician. Thus, the fan may soon become educated in politics simply because they saw their favorite player endorsing a specific candidate. When it comes to politics, athletes can assume the role of a fan (for once), and root for their favorite candidate.
In a recent article in the September 8th issue of Sports Illustrated, L. Jon Wertheim tackled the issue of where athletes stand in the upcoming election. http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1144917/1/index.htm
Los Angeles Clippers point guard Baron Davis is an avid Obama supporter. Last year, Davis was the host of a fundraiser in which he was able to introduce Sen. Barack Obama to the audience. However, this event was not the first time that Davis had met Obama. Davis traveled to Washington in 2006 to meet with Obama and discuss the limited educational opportunities in the inner city. This is a welcome sight; to see an athlete who is concerned with an issue that does not directly affect him. It is refreshing to see an athlete like Davis who is worried about something other than an endorsement deal or a new contract.
Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling is a devoted McCain supporter. Schilling, who is never at a loss for words, publicly supports McCain through his renowned blog, 38pitches.com. Schilling has also been involved in a few ads for John McCain's campaign. Like Davis, Schilling also played the role of a host for one of John McCain's meetings before the 2008 New Hampshire presidential primary. Schilling introduced McCain, much like Davis did Obama, but Schilling actually remained on stage to answer political questions along with the Republican nominee. From this we can see that Schilling is not just some jock who doesn't know anything outside of sports. Clearly, he must be an educated man if he was able to share the stage and field the same questions as the man who could possibly the next president.
Today, we can see that athletes are becoming more inclined to enter the world of politics. Athletes may be beginning to realize that they can use their celebrity status to endorse a particular candidate. By doing so, they can show their fans a side of them that they normally would never see. The fans could then take it upon themselves to ponder why a particular athlete supports a certain politician. Thus, the fan may soon become educated in politics simply because they saw their favorite player endorsing a specific candidate. When it comes to politics, athletes can assume the role of a fan (for once), and root for their favorite candidate.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
Sizing up the Vice-Presidential Candidates
Since we have found out that Sen. Joe Biden (Dem.) and Gov. Sarah Palin (Rep.) have been selected as the Vice Presidential candidates, it is time we find out where they stand on certain issues.
On the issue of Energy and Oil, both candidates believe that it is important for the U.S. to produce more oil and gas in our own country instead of depending on outside sources. However, one key sub-topic that the candidates differ in opinion on is off-shore drilling. Palin believes that it is necessary to begin off-shore drilling on places such as the Outer Continental Shelf and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Biden, on the other hand, does not support any type of off-shore drilling. He is focused on finding renewable sources of energy to limit the dependency on foreign oil. Clearly, both candidates have differing ideas on how to make the U.S. more energy efficient.
Another key issue in this election is the War in Iraq. Sen. Biden, like the majority of Democrats, believes that it is time to begin pulling U.S. troops out of Iraq. The plan that Biden has drawn up would have U.S. troops out of Iraq by 2013 if there is no political resolution. Palin supports the U.S. troops in Iraq, but she would also like to see an exit plan be put into effect. In a sense, Biden and Palin agree on removing the troops in Iraq at some point, which is a rather interesting agreement.
A third and final issue where the candidates can be compared is the issue of immigration. This issue is important to many Americans because it affects the economy. Sen. Biden has different views on certain aspects of immigration. He is opposed to giving driver's licenses to illegal immigrants and supports the idea of building a fence on the border. However, he is in favor of allowing illegal immigrants to take part in Social Security. Gov. Palin, on the other hand has not shown much of an opinion on the issue of immigration at all. This could be due to the fact that in Alaska, there are not many immigrants to begin with. Although Sen. Biden may have different opinions on certain aspects of immigration, at least he has an opinion to begin with.
On the issue of Energy and Oil, both candidates believe that it is important for the U.S. to produce more oil and gas in our own country instead of depending on outside sources. However, one key sub-topic that the candidates differ in opinion on is off-shore drilling. Palin believes that it is necessary to begin off-shore drilling on places such as the Outer Continental Shelf and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Biden, on the other hand, does not support any type of off-shore drilling. He is focused on finding renewable sources of energy to limit the dependency on foreign oil. Clearly, both candidates have differing ideas on how to make the U.S. more energy efficient.
Another key issue in this election is the War in Iraq. Sen. Biden, like the majority of Democrats, believes that it is time to begin pulling U.S. troops out of Iraq. The plan that Biden has drawn up would have U.S. troops out of Iraq by 2013 if there is no political resolution. Palin supports the U.S. troops in Iraq, but she would also like to see an exit plan be put into effect. In a sense, Biden and Palin agree on removing the troops in Iraq at some point, which is a rather interesting agreement.
A third and final issue where the candidates can be compared is the issue of immigration. This issue is important to many Americans because it affects the economy. Sen. Biden has different views on certain aspects of immigration. He is opposed to giving driver's licenses to illegal immigrants and supports the idea of building a fence on the border. However, he is in favor of allowing illegal immigrants to take part in Social Security. Gov. Palin, on the other hand has not shown much of an opinion on the issue of immigration at all. This could be due to the fact that in Alaska, there are not many immigrants to begin with. Although Sen. Biden may have different opinions on certain aspects of immigration, at least he has an opinion to begin with.
Monday, September 1, 2008
McCain selects Alaska's Palin as VP
On August 29 Republican Presidential nominee John McCain made a bold selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. The selection of Palin will undoubtedly excite conservatives, as well as attract female voters to the McCain campaign. An interesting article written by Ed Rollins of CNN discusses a Republican's viewpoint of why this selection was justifiable. http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/29/rollins.palin/index.html
Obviously, Democrats will have a different opinion on the selection of Sarah Palin as John McCain's running mate. Palin is in her first term as governor of Alaska, therefore her experience is rather limited. Democrats will likely highlight this as a major strike against Palin. McCain will be second guessed for choosing Palin over more experienced candidates such as Joe Lieberman or Mitt Romney. Paul Begala of CNN wrote a very opinionated article on McCain's selction from a Democrat's perspective. http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/29/begala.palin/index.html
Recently, it has become known that Gov. Sarah Palin's 17-year-old daughter, Bristol, is pregnant. It is now likely that many people will become caught up in this personal storyline instead of focusing on political storyline surrounding Palin. In this day and age we are more inclined to take interest in notable people's personal lives instead of their professional lives. MSNBC contributor Brian Alexander wrote an opinion piece in which he discussed why politics is more important than pregnancy in the situation surrounding Gov. Palin. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26501011/
In response to the news that GOP running mate Sarah Palin's daughter is pregnant, Sen. Barack Obama has stated that he will not address the situation in his campaign. http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/01/obama.palin/index.html This decision shows a great deal of class by Obama. It shows that he knows where to draw the line when it comes to campaigning, eliminating the candidates personal lives from politics.
Obviously, Democrats will have a different opinion on the selection of Sarah Palin as John McCain's running mate. Palin is in her first term as governor of Alaska, therefore her experience is rather limited. Democrats will likely highlight this as a major strike against Palin. McCain will be second guessed for choosing Palin over more experienced candidates such as Joe Lieberman or Mitt Romney. Paul Begala of CNN wrote a very opinionated article on McCain's selction from a Democrat's perspective. http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/29/begala.palin/index.html
Recently, it has become known that Gov. Sarah Palin's 17-year-old daughter, Bristol, is pregnant. It is now likely that many people will become caught up in this personal storyline instead of focusing on political storyline surrounding Palin. In this day and age we are more inclined to take interest in notable people's personal lives instead of their professional lives. MSNBC contributor Brian Alexander wrote an opinion piece in which he discussed why politics is more important than pregnancy in the situation surrounding Gov. Palin. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26501011/
In response to the news that GOP running mate Sarah Palin's daughter is pregnant, Sen. Barack Obama has stated that he will not address the situation in his campaign. http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/01/obama.palin/index.html This decision shows a great deal of class by Obama. It shows that he knows where to draw the line when it comes to campaigning, eliminating the candidates personal lives from politics.
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