Health care rhetoric heats up before key vote

Many Republicans oppose the new healthcare bill and say it will force millions of Americans to drop insurance plans. Republicans argue that the new healthcare bill will raise premiums and do nothing to slow medical costs. In order for the bill to get passed, if no Republicans support it, it will need the support of all 58 Senate Democrats and 2 Independent Senators. This weekend, members of the Senate will gather and vote on whether the bill should have full Senate review or not. If this wins Senate approval it along with the House of Representatives bill will be consolidated and voted on by both Houses of Congress. It will then be sent to President Obama, who will either approve it or veto it. If the new bill gets approved by Obama, it will then become law and the United States will have a some form of universal healthcare.

In my opinion, I think this bill should be passed. This bill, when consolidated with the one in the House and signed into law by the President would enable millions of Americans an opportunity to have affordable healthcare. In addition, people will no longer have to worry about being denied coverage for pre-existing conditions or lifetime caps for using there health coverage. This will put Americans on a better track of living because no matter where they go or what they do, their health care will always be there. I think that this would help America more than harm it and join the other industrialized nations of the world with some form of universal health care .

Health care clears one major hurdle, faces more

The health care reform bill was passed by the House of Representatives on November 7. With the passing of the health care bill, president Obama hopes to have the bill approved by the Senate and eventually led to the bill becoming law. The health care bill will hopefully enable people to not be denied healthcare coverage because of previous condition, age, gender, or medical history. President Obama is optimistic about the healthcare bill, "I look forward to signing comprehensive health insurance reform into law by the end of the year". "However, Republicans and an independent senator who sits with the Democratic caucus signaled Sunday that difficulties remain for Obama on his top domestic priority." The healthcare bill, although, has various hurdles to overcome, such as passing through the Senate. Americans hope that this bill will eventually become law to help people throughout this country.

In my opinion, I'm glad that the healthcare bill was passed because this program will really help Americans who are uninsured and those who are poor. I hope the Senate will pass the bill and make it a law because I think it's horrible how health insurance companies are turning people down because they have prior injuries, or due to their age and gender. I believe that everyone has a right to live and in order to live, people need to have good health care. I don't understand who people can turn people down when they are in need. It seems today that all people want is money and power. They don't care about who they are denying health care to. I agree with what president Obama is trying to do with making the United States have universal healthcare.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/11/08/health.care/index.html

Obama Promises Help for Native Americans

On Thursday morning president Obama spoke to tribal Native American leaders about growing concerns and problems they have. Many Native American reservations are stricken with poverty. "Some reservations face unemployment rates of up to 80 percent, and one quarter of all Native Americans live in poverty." Many homes in reservations do not have basic living nesessities, such as electricity and safe water supply. "More than 14 percent of reservation homes lack electricity and 12 percent lack access to a safe water supply". Obama promised Native Americans that he and his administration would work with them to help solve various dilemmas they have on reservations.

In my opinion, I think that Obama and the government should do everything to help these people. I admire that president Obama has promised to help the Native Americans with their problems and especially through these hard times with the economy in a recession. The Native Americans should defenately get an oportunity to be helped by the government, especially by how they were treated by the U.S. government in the past. I believe that everyone should have basic nesessities in which to live. I hope the government will not just promise to help and end up not doing anything like in past events.

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/05/obama-promises-help-for-native-americans/?scp=1&sq=obama%20helps%20native%20americans&st=cse

Hate crimes bill goes to Obama fro signature

President Obama will soon sign a hate crimes bill into law, which would make it a federal crime for anyone to assault an individual because of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill is named after Matthew Shepard, a gay Wyoming teenager who died after he was kidnapped and beaten by others. His mother, Judy Shepard said "nowing that the president will sign it, unlike his predecessor, has made all the hard work this year to pass it worthwhile...Hate crimes continue to affect far too many Americans who are simply trying to live their lives honestly, and they need to know that their government will protect them from violence, and provide appropriate justice for victims and their families." The bill, when signed, will give the Justice Dept and other law enforcement agencies the "tools needed to deter and prosecute acts of violence" said Attorney General Eric Holder. More than 77,000 hate-crimes were reported by the FBI between 1998 and 2007.

I agree with the need to expand the hate crimes law. Now it will be a federal crime to assault someone because of his or her sexual orientation or gender. It is unfortunate that Matthew Shepard, a gay Wyoming teenager who was beaten because of his sexual orientation had to die in order for a bill such as this to be enacted.

Public Option reduces deficit

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects that the House Democrat's health care plan that includes a pubic option would cost $871 billion over 10 years and reduce the deficit.

This comes under the $900 billion cap imposed by President Obama and significantly less then the House bill passed by three committees during the summer, which had a $1.1 trillion price tag. The public option is favored by Speaker Pelosi who needs 218 votes to pass this version on the house floor. Some in the House, identified as "blue dog" Democrats, oppose the bill, who argue for direct reimbursement to doctors and hospitals .

I agree with the house bill, which maintains the public option and ultimately reduces the deficit. This bill also stays within the cap of $900 billon set by President Obama and is well below the "price tag" of 1.1 trillion set by committees this past summer. House votes are forthcoming now that the CBO finds that it reduces the deficit in the first 10 years.

CBO finds Dem bill with public option reduces deficit - CNN.com

US Lobbied Afghanistan's Karzai to accept runoff

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has agreed to a runoff vote in two weeks against challenger, Abdullah Abdullah for president of Afghanistan. The cause for the runoff stems from a determination made by U.N.-backed Electoral Complaints Commission that 1.3 million ballots of Karzias were fraudulent. Both Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Sen. John Kerry,including others urged Karzia to go forth with the runoff, which he would likely prevail as winner. "You can emerge stronger from this and cement your position as leader." Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said. Karzia expressed concern that "Pashtuns who had voted for him would feel disenfranchised." Karzia said he was"putting his country's interests over his own.

I agree with Karzia decision to put his countries interest over his own. To allow Karzia to take office knowing that 1.3 Million ballots cast during the first election were fraudulent would have sever impact on this fledgeling democracy. Pashtuns who had voted for him should not feel disenfranchised. With the help and support of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Sen. John Kerry, Karzia will likely be the winner in a runoff with Abdullah Abdullah.

U.S. Won't Prosecute in States That Allow Medical Marijuana

Many chronically ill patients depend on some of the benefits of prescribed marijuana. This drug can reduce chronic pain, nausea, and additional symptoms associated with cancer and other serious illnesses. Although this drug has many good aspects, it is still illegal under federal law. However, the government is agreeing to not prosecute anyone using marijuana complying with the wishes of 14 other states and their laws, which allow its use for medical reasons only. "It will not be a priority to use federal resources to prosecute patients with serious illnesses or their caregivers who are complying with state laws on medical marijuana," says Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr., "but we will not tolerate drug traffickers who hide behind claims of compliance with state law to mask activities that are clearly illegal." The dispute over whether or not to make it a legal drug under medical conditions is still being debated by the federal government.

In my opinion, I think that marijuana used for medical purposes is good for the health of those who have a chronic illness. Patients use marijuana for such illnesses as cancer and the chemo therapy associated with it, which reduces chronic pain and nausea. I also think that marijuana being used for medical purposes should be legal on the federal side, because if using marijuana for medical purposes is only legal at the state level, the the doctors who prescribe it are still in a quandary with the federal government, which defeats the purpose of allowing it to be legal in the first place. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/20/us/20cannabis.html?_r=1&ref=politics

Gay rights activists march in D.C.

A huge crowd of Americans gathered in Washington D.C. last Sunday to end discrimination of homosexuals. The crowd was led by Judy Shepard, who had gathered with the crowd in honor of her late son. "I'm here today because I lost my son to hate. Her gay son, Matthew Shepard, was kidnapped and severely beaten in October 1998. He died five days later in a hospital." The activists called to Obama to end the "don't ask, don't tell" policy and to also bring an end to banning gay marriage. Obama has been praised for his efforts to urge Congress to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. Then, to replace it with the passing of the Domestic Partners Benefit and Obligations Act. Obama has been criticized by activists by not paying attention of abolishing the "don't ask, don't tell" policy, which bans homosexuals from openly serving in the military. Obama does hope to get these problems resolved, but it is unclear how long it will take to get these issues forwarded by activists addressed by Congress.

In my opinion, it is irrelevant what a persons sexual orientation is. All people should be allowed to marry whomever they like. I also think it is unfair to not allow homosexuals to serve in the military; they too are Americans who are committed to freedom and want to fight for their country. The gay rights movement reminds me a lot of the civil rights movement of the 1960's, because of how they are striving for equality. I hope that Obama abolishes the banning of gay marriage and the "don't ask, don't tell" policy so all people can benefit from the American dream.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/10/11/U.S.gay.rights.rally/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize

On October 9, 2009, President Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. President Obama was recognized for his efforts in helping to maintain peace between Middle Eastern countries, including the elimination of nuclear weapons from these countries. "The Nobel committee recognized Obama's efforts to solve complex global problems including working toward a world free of nuclear weapons." Due to Obama's great efforts to help bestow diplomacy and cooperation among different nations and people, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Not only did Obama receive this award by his efforts of keeping peace or wanting to eliminate all countries of nuclear weapons, but by promising hope for a better future for Americans. Upon receiving the award, Obama acknowledged the conflicts in the Middle East and that he plans to end this ongoing war. Obama then plans to confront any endeavor that will threaten Americans.

In my opinion, I think Obama deservers to receive the Nobel Peace Prize and that it is a great honor to him. Ever since Obama first started campaigning, he has promised change and hope for a better tomorrow. He is doing a wonderful job in leading the country through these difficult times. Obama has been trying to do everything in his power to negotiate peace in the Middle East and by banning nuclear weapons. He is actually trying to help the world and not start wars over whether or not there should be nuclear weapons. I personally think with Obama in the White House, America will start to be much better off.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/10/09/nobel.peace.prize/index.html

No Olympics in Chicago

Not everyone agreed that having the 2016 Olympics in Chicago was a great idea. Many Chicagoans felt the government should focus more on issues facing the city and country and not on the Olympics, which may have been held in their city. Many Chicagoans, therefore, voted against the Olympics. "We're glad that the city won't now be burdened by the distraction of the Olympics at the expense of improving Chicago's schools, transportation, parks, and the numerous other public policy initiatives on which the city needs to be focused." In addition, many Chicagoans rejected the use of tax payer money that would be spent on efforts to support the 2016 Olympics. Instead, they think the money should be used to improve areas in and around Chicago.

In my opinion, I agree that the money should be spent to improve Chicago and not on efforts to support the Olympics. Having the Olympics in Chicago, would distract us from more important issues currently facing Chicago and the US, such as the need for jobs, infrastructure, and other compelling priorities. I personally think the United States should first focus on these issues and then look forward to hosting events.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/10/02/chicago.olympic.opponents/index.html?iref=newssearch

Typhoon Parma in the Philippines

Last week, a devastating typhoon occurred in the Philippine isles that effected nearly 2 million people. Hundreds of families were left homeless by the storm. World Vision staffers plan to help those families and others effected by the typhoon, by handing out relief packages that contain food, and water. "There are many uprooted trees, as well as down power lines, making roads impassable in some areas... Homes constructed of light materials were blown away. In many areas, there is no electricity, and rivers have overflowed, making some towns and villages inaccessible." 8 to 20 inches of rainfall from the typhoon, is expected for areas already flooded by the downpour. As a result many people were evacuated from the threat of more flooding. As another result from the typhoon, landslides were caused by the extensive downpour of rain, killing at least 12 people. Many are trying to help these poor people through this awful time rebuild their lives.

I feel bad for the people who lost everything in this horrible storm. I think the United States should make a program to help all the victims of Typhoon Parma. In which people could donate canned food and clothes to those effected by the typhoon. Also, if family members had gotten separated during the typhoon, there should be a relocation program for families to get reunited. The United States should help the Philippine citizens rebuild roads, buildings, and other structures that had gotten damaged during the typhoon. I feel as though that we should try to do what we can to help those in need and also help them restore everything to normal.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/10/04/philippines.typhoon/index.html

Stem Cell Research

Scientific research predicts that stem cells will help people with various diseases. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that develop into more than 200 types of cells that make up the adult body. Eventually, stem cells will be able to replace or repair damaged cells, and treat diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, and paralysis. There, however, is the problem, which has caused much debate within this nation and that is, how these stem cells are derived. Specifically, most stem cell lines are derived from "four-or five day old embryos, or fertilized cells." These are cells discarded by fertility clinics, whose owner has decided not to bring to term. Here lies the problem, opponents believe that because the cells are fertilized with the potential to become a viable egg, it is wrong to use that cell for the benefit of science and discard a potential human life.

I believe that stem cell research should be used to benefit the sick. The stem cells could be used as a cure for cancer and other fatal diseases. I think that the stem cells should help the people who are already alive than for someone who was never born. With this new technology, scientists could save thousands of lives and eventually, put a stop to some diseases. If stem cell research is funded, there would be an available cure and patients wouldn't have to go through a painful series of chemotherapy, which they might not survive. Stem cell research is a breakthrough for curing illnesses, which I think would benefit everyone.

http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/health/diseasesconditionsandhealthtopics/stemcells/index.html?inline=nyt-classifier

Global Warming Effecting the Earth

The planet is suffering from a drastic climate change caused by excessive (C02), carbon dioxide gas releasedinto the atmosphere, which is creating a blanket over the earth and not allowing heat to escape. This change is most likely due to human activity in the environment. For example, pollution from factories, the use of the internal combustion engine and deforestation play a huge role in the release of excesscarbon dioxide. Due to deforestation, trees are not absorbing the Co2, thus allowing more carbon dioxide to build up in the atmosphere of the earth. "Since 1970, temperatures have gone up at nearly three times the average for the 20th century." (1). "The evidence of a warming trend is "unequivocal," and that human activity has "very likely" been the driving force in that change over the last 50 years." (1). Global warming will continue to get worse unless we try to control how much Co2 we produce from daily activities. If the global climate temperature increases between 3.5 and 8 degrees Fahrenheit drastic climate changes will occur it will result in devastation to us all.

In my opinion, we should do something to help our environment. I think we should limit the amount of Co2 that is given off into the atmosphere by cutting down on internal combustion engine and stop factories from polluting into the air. Instead, people should drive more fuel-efficient cars, like hybrids or they should make a car that relies on other resources that doesn't harm the environment. Factories should decrease pollution in the atmosphere by coming up with alternative ways of excreting wastes. Mostly, we need to save trees from deforestation because they help reduce carbon dioxide by absorbing the gas in and replacing it with oxygen. If we don't do something now to reduce global warming, then it is our grandchildren who will be paying the price. We all live in this beautiful world, and I think we should do whatever it takes to protect it. Everyone can at least throw away their trash and recycle for a start

(1) Global Warming- Science - The New York Times

http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/campaigns/global-warming-and-energy/science/co2-emissions

Carter's View on "You lie" Comment to be Racist

Former president Jimmy Carter believes the outburst, at President Barack Obama's speech, by South Carolina representative, Joe Wilson, to be fueled by racism. During Obama's speech before Congress about health care reform, representative Joe Wilson abruptly exclaimed, "You lie!" to the president. Although, Wilson says that it was not an act of racism, former president Carter believes it to be. In an interview with president Carter, Carter explains why he found the outburst to be racist. ' "I live in the South and I've seen the South come a long way," he said. But, " I think it's bubbled up to the surface of the belief among many white people not just in the south, but around the country ... that African-Americans are not qualified to lead this great country. It's an abominable circumstance and grieves me and concerns me very deeply." '

In my opinion, I do not believe the, "You lie!", comment to be racist, although I thought that it was very rude of him. I believe that everything that's happening in the United States, for example, the recession, the war in Afghanistan, illegal immigration, has just been bottled up in the American populous and they want to take it out on Obama. Also, there is not enough evidence to state that Wilson's comment was in fact racist. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and just because someone does not agree with the president does not make the them racist.

Carter’s Racism Charge Sparks War of Words - The Caucus Blog - NYTimes.com

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/32867107#32867107

Universal health care in the United States

American citizens are suffering with their finances due to a deep recession within the economy. Many Americans can not afford health insurance due to this economic struggle. President Barack Obama is proposing a new health care reform that hopes to make health care affordable to every U.S. citizen, with universal health care. In order to start the health care reform, Obama looked at the stimulus bill. This bill would direct money toward health records and the research of medical procedures. A down payment of $600 billion was proposed to Congress by Obama for the health care system reform. This would be done by limiting income tax for taxpayers. Congress stated that, "The government should offer a public health insurance plan as an alternative to private insurance." Unfortunately, the universal health care reform is controversial because insurance companies would go out of business if universal health care gets passed. Thus, creating even more Americans jobless.

In my opinion, health care should be a basic right of every American. I think Americans should not have to pay a cent for health care and that it should be guaranteed to them. For example, those who are poor and are making just enough to get by, should not have to spend money on health care. If in the event we do get universal health care, the government should create some kind of program for former health insurance company workers. In which they could help work for universal health care, and the government could pay their salaries.

Democrats Agree on a Health Plan; Now Comes the Hard Part - NYTimes.com