http://www.scotusblog.com/2017/05/wisconsin-seeks-stay-back-plan-partisan-gerrymandering-case/
Wisconsin asked the Supreme Court to look over a decision made by a court striking down the redistricting map that the Republican controlled legislature created. The three judge court said that the map resulted from partisan gerrymandering, which is purposely drawing district lines to favor one party over the other. Wisconsin wants there to be a new plan by the state legislature. The issues of partisan gerrymandering has split the Supreme Court. Half think they should be able to review claims, half think they shouldn't. Wisconsin officials argued that the lower court's decision to strike down the redistricting plan was so flawed that the justices should reverse it without asking for briefing or an oral argument.
This relates to our class because we talked about gerrymandering, which is the redrawing of districts to favor one political party over another. It sets up electoral districts. Redistricting is the redrawing of distric lines following a census to follow population patterns.
Gerrymandering benefits the party that is doing the district redrawing, but it divides our country even more politically. Most legislators run in one party districts where they will be most successful being partisan and extreme, which harms our country. I don't see much good in it, it's a process done to rig the political process to help the party that is doing it.
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Blog 10: Trump Veto
https://www.google.com/amp/thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/326580-senate-dems-to-trump-veto-broadband-privacy-repeal%3Famp
Democratic Senators are pushing President Trump to reject legislation that repeals the Obama-era FCC's privacy rules. 46 Democrats sent a letter to Trump to veto the bill. The Democrats warned that getting rid of the Obama-era rules would negatively impact privacy. The senators wrote that the legislation will undermine the privacy protections of the majority of Americans who believe their private information should remain private. The FCC rules would've given consumers more control over their data. Choices about subscriber's data should be in their hands and not the hands of internet service providers or third parties. Reversing these landmark privacy protections would go against the pro-consumer Administration. Consumers have the right to make their own decisions about access, use, and sale of their personal internet data by their broadband provider.
This relates to our class because the Democrats wanted Trump to veto the bill. A veto is when the President rejects a decision made by a law making body. American citizens also have the right to privacy, which falls under the 14th amendment.
I think we have the right to our private internet info and that it should remain our private info. Internet service providers shouldn't have access to all our personal data.
Democratic Senators are pushing President Trump to reject legislation that repeals the Obama-era FCC's privacy rules. 46 Democrats sent a letter to Trump to veto the bill. The Democrats warned that getting rid of the Obama-era rules would negatively impact privacy. The senators wrote that the legislation will undermine the privacy protections of the majority of Americans who believe their private information should remain private. The FCC rules would've given consumers more control over their data. Choices about subscriber's data should be in their hands and not the hands of internet service providers or third parties. Reversing these landmark privacy protections would go against the pro-consumer Administration. Consumers have the right to make their own decisions about access, use, and sale of their personal internet data by their broadband provider.
This relates to our class because the Democrats wanted Trump to veto the bill. A veto is when the President rejects a decision made by a law making body. American citizens also have the right to privacy, which falls under the 14th amendment.
I think we have the right to our private internet info and that it should remain our private info. Internet service providers shouldn't have access to all our personal data.
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Blog 9: Trump's Economic Policy
http://money.cnn.com/2017/04/29/news/economy/trump-100-days-chief-executives/
In the first 100 days, President Trump surrounded himself with business executives. He has met with many CEOs who have helped shape his views on how policy affects the economy and how to create jobs. Most of Trump's executive actions have targeted regulations or specific industries. Trump has failed to deliver on any major legislative priorities. For now, executives are happy with Trump, they know it will take time before any policy changes take root. The Trump administration has changed the tone.
This relates to what we've learned in class because a while ago we learned about polices. In the economic policy the government raises revenue through taxes. If the government spends more than they earn, that contributes to the deficit. If the government earns more than they spend, that contributes to the surplus. Monetary policy is how the government regulates the money supply. Fiscal policy is how the government raises taxes and spends revenue.
One of Trunp's economic policies is to fund Social Security but cutting forgein aid to anti-American countries. Trump opposes cuts in SS and Medicare benefits, which is a departure from his earlier views. He previously wanted to raise the SS retirement age, but has backed away from that and clams that SS should be funded by cutting foreign aid to anti-American countries. I think Social Security is very important and needs funding, but I don't think we should take funding from other countries that depend on us. I think every country needs to be able to provide for its own people and not depend on another country solely, but we all live on one planet and some countries are much more advanced than others, so we should help where we can. Just because some people of other countries are "anti-American" doesn't mean that everyone is, and they deserve to be provided with resources that will help them survive.
In the first 100 days, President Trump surrounded himself with business executives. He has met with many CEOs who have helped shape his views on how policy affects the economy and how to create jobs. Most of Trump's executive actions have targeted regulations or specific industries. Trump has failed to deliver on any major legislative priorities. For now, executives are happy with Trump, they know it will take time before any policy changes take root. The Trump administration has changed the tone.
This relates to what we've learned in class because a while ago we learned about polices. In the economic policy the government raises revenue through taxes. If the government spends more than they earn, that contributes to the deficit. If the government earns more than they spend, that contributes to the surplus. Monetary policy is how the government regulates the money supply. Fiscal policy is how the government raises taxes and spends revenue.
One of Trunp's economic policies is to fund Social Security but cutting forgein aid to anti-American countries. Trump opposes cuts in SS and Medicare benefits, which is a departure from his earlier views. He previously wanted to raise the SS retirement age, but has backed away from that and clams that SS should be funded by cutting foreign aid to anti-American countries. I think Social Security is very important and needs funding, but I don't think we should take funding from other countries that depend on us. I think every country needs to be able to provide for its own people and not depend on another country solely, but we all live on one planet and some countries are much more advanced than others, so we should help where we can. Just because some people of other countries are "anti-American" doesn't mean that everyone is, and they deserve to be provided with resources that will help them survive.
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Blog 8: Foreign Policy
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/on-foreign-policy-trump-has-become--gasp--a-normal-president/2017/04/26/197b0372-2542-11e7-b503-9d616bd5a305_story.html?utm_term=.a9224478456c
On foreign policy, Trump promised little ideology and lots of anecdote driven reactionism. The foreign policy promises of presidents are rarely gone through with. Even though Trump told Obama to stay out of Syria, Trump blasted an air base used for chemical weapon attacks. He will also persue bilateral trade agreements. The President has not flipped on his anti-refugee and anti-immigration posture, and he pledges to ban refugees from Syria. It will be these policies that make or break President Trump in the world.
This relates to what we've been learning in class because we learned about foreign policy today. Congress has to agree to fund the President's foreign policy agenda, so Trump has to have Congress members that support him. Foreign policy is the domain of the federal government. Trump used military aid, which is in his "toolbox" for foreign policy, to bomb Syria.
I don't think there should be a ban on Syrian refugees. I think there should be a better system of checking for terrorists and stronger restrictions for people from anywhere, because not everyone in Syria is a terrorist. What Syria was doing to their people is terrible and they should be helped, so on one hand, it's good that the U.S. got involved. But on the other hand, maybe we don't always have to get involved in foreign affairs, especially if it might lead us into a war or clashing with other nations.
On foreign policy, Trump promised little ideology and lots of anecdote driven reactionism. The foreign policy promises of presidents are rarely gone through with. Even though Trump told Obama to stay out of Syria, Trump blasted an air base used for chemical weapon attacks. He will also persue bilateral trade agreements. The President has not flipped on his anti-refugee and anti-immigration posture, and he pledges to ban refugees from Syria. It will be these policies that make or break President Trump in the world.
This relates to what we've been learning in class because we learned about foreign policy today. Congress has to agree to fund the President's foreign policy agenda, so Trump has to have Congress members that support him. Foreign policy is the domain of the federal government. Trump used military aid, which is in his "toolbox" for foreign policy, to bomb Syria.
I don't think there should be a ban on Syrian refugees. I think there should be a better system of checking for terrorists and stronger restrictions for people from anywhere, because not everyone in Syria is a terrorist. What Syria was doing to their people is terrible and they should be helped, so on one hand, it's good that the U.S. got involved. But on the other hand, maybe we don't always have to get involved in foreign affairs, especially if it might lead us into a war or clashing with other nations.
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Blog 7: Bureaucrats
http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2017/03/trump_orders_raises_for_overpaid_federal_bureaucrats.html
President Trump ordered all federal workers to get a 2% raise, which may not seem like a lot, but they make so much already that the pay raise is unnecessary. The average pay for federal workers is much more than the average pay of private sector workers. President Trump should be cutting their pay to match those in the private sector.
This relates to what we've been learning in class because we've been learning about bureaucrats. A bureaucracy is a large organization composed of appointed officials, like federal workers. A bureaucrat is a civil servant that works in the government, like a federal employee. A private sector is part of the national economy that is not under direct government control. Private sector workers don't earn as much as federal workers because federal workers work directly for the government.
I don't think the pay for federal workers should be raised because they already earn a lot of money. I don't think it should be cut either. I think the pay for private sector workers should be raised because they don't make nearly as much.
President Trump ordered all federal workers to get a 2% raise, which may not seem like a lot, but they make so much already that the pay raise is unnecessary. The average pay for federal workers is much more than the average pay of private sector workers. President Trump should be cutting their pay to match those in the private sector.
This relates to what we've been learning in class because we've been learning about bureaucrats. A bureaucracy is a large organization composed of appointed officials, like federal workers. A bureaucrat is a civil servant that works in the government, like a federal employee. A private sector is part of the national economy that is not under direct government control. Private sector workers don't earn as much as federal workers because federal workers work directly for the government.
I don't think the pay for federal workers should be raised because they already earn a lot of money. I don't think it should be cut either. I think the pay for private sector workers should be raised because they don't make nearly as much.
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Blog 6: Neil Gorsuch
http://time.com/4709234/neil-gorsuch-confirmation-hearing-supreme-court-decision/
One of Neil Gorsuch's decisions about autistic children's education was struck down by the Supreme Court. His previous decision said that a school district abides with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as long as it was more than de minimis. Chief Justice John Roberts said that that can hardly be considered getting an education at all. Gorsuch said his decision was a hard one to make but his hands were tied.
This relates to class because we've been talking about the judiciary, which involves the courts. Neil Gorsuch is a new Supreme Court justice nominee by President Trump. In this article Gorsuch's decision was shut down by a vote of 8-0, that's a majority opinion. Gorsuch was chosen by a Republican President, party background has a strong effect on jucicial behavior. Trump chose Gorsuch because he shares the same political ideologies.
I think that education is important and everyone should have it. Just because someone is disabled doesn't mean they should have less of an education. Everyone should get the same options and opportunities. So I think it was right of the Supreme Court to overturn the previous ruling. It's not fair to the students to have less of an education because of something they can't control and not be treated equally.
One of Neil Gorsuch's decisions about autistic children's education was struck down by the Supreme Court. His previous decision said that a school district abides with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as long as it was more than de minimis. Chief Justice John Roberts said that that can hardly be considered getting an education at all. Gorsuch said his decision was a hard one to make but his hands were tied.
This relates to class because we've been talking about the judiciary, which involves the courts. Neil Gorsuch is a new Supreme Court justice nominee by President Trump. In this article Gorsuch's decision was shut down by a vote of 8-0, that's a majority opinion. Gorsuch was chosen by a Republican President, party background has a strong effect on jucicial behavior. Trump chose Gorsuch because he shares the same political ideologies.
I think that education is important and everyone should have it. Just because someone is disabled doesn't mean they should have less of an education. Everyone should get the same options and opportunities. So I think it was right of the Supreme Court to overturn the previous ruling. It's not fair to the students to have less of an education because of something they can't control and not be treated equally.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Blog 5: Civil Rights
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/us_58c310d6e4b054a0ea6aac8f
Over 150 civil rights groups called Trump wanting him to respond more to hate crimes. The organizations signed an open letter saying that Trump fosters an atmosphere of hate and doesn't respond to hate crimes fast enough. The letter cites horrific incidents, like two Indian men being shot in Kansas, and over 100 threats against Jewish Community Centers. The letter says that the President cannot condemn hate in one sentence and then promote falsehoods that can lead to hate and violence in the next. Trump has portrayed black Americans as criminals, Mexicans as rapists, and has bragged about sexual harassment against women. The letter encourages the President and his Cabinet to condemn hate when it happens.
This relates to what we've been learning in class because it talks about civil rights. Civil rights means protecting minority groups. It also has to do with civil liberties because in the 14th Amendment it talks about equal protection under the law. All these hate crimes around the world are taking away people's civil rights. These crimes are based on bias of race, gender, sexuality, etc.
Groups that are targets for hate crimes like the ones mentioned should be protected better and the violators of civil rights should be persecuted. The President should be doing a better job of making sure of that, and not spreading ideas that will inevitably cause more hate crimes. It's ridiculous that people are killed and tortured or having their rights taken away for either something they can't control (race, gender) or something that shouldn't be a problem to anyone else (sexuality).
Over 150 civil rights groups called Trump wanting him to respond more to hate crimes. The organizations signed an open letter saying that Trump fosters an atmosphere of hate and doesn't respond to hate crimes fast enough. The letter cites horrific incidents, like two Indian men being shot in Kansas, and over 100 threats against Jewish Community Centers. The letter says that the President cannot condemn hate in one sentence and then promote falsehoods that can lead to hate and violence in the next. Trump has portrayed black Americans as criminals, Mexicans as rapists, and has bragged about sexual harassment against women. The letter encourages the President and his Cabinet to condemn hate when it happens.
This relates to what we've been learning in class because it talks about civil rights. Civil rights means protecting minority groups. It also has to do with civil liberties because in the 14th Amendment it talks about equal protection under the law. All these hate crimes around the world are taking away people's civil rights. These crimes are based on bias of race, gender, sexuality, etc.
Groups that are targets for hate crimes like the ones mentioned should be protected better and the violators of civil rights should be persecuted. The President should be doing a better job of making sure of that, and not spreading ideas that will inevitably cause more hate crimes. It's ridiculous that people are killed and tortured or having their rights taken away for either something they can't control (race, gender) or something that shouldn't be a problem to anyone else (sexuality).
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