Actively read ONE of the following articles on the front running candidates for the 2008 Presidential race's views on the issue of your choice:
a) The role of government in the economy:
www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&refer=home&sid=a5019JeDatck
b) The role of government in regulating energy and resource use/ prices
http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB1212966761810557-lMyQjAxMDI4MTAyODwNjg2Wj.html
c) The role of government in national defense and security:
www.worldpoliticsrview/blog/blog.aspx?id=2420
d) The role of government in regulating health care:
http://stpns.net/view_article.html?articleId=109510843610510810410
Respond to the following questions on the blog or on paper:
Summarize both candidates' views on the issue you selected. Evaluate the strengths and
weaknesses of each position. Did either candidates' views surprise you? Explain.
Who's views do you agree with more on this specific topic? Why?
Did either candidates' views surprise you? Explain.
Your response is due monday, 9/8 at the begining of class. 250 word minimum.
a) The role of government in the economy:
www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&refer=home&sid=a5019JeDatck
b) The role of government in regulating energy and resource use/ prices
http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB1212966761810557-lMyQjAxMDI4MTAyODwNjg2Wj.html
c) The role of government in national defense and security:
www.worldpoliticsrview/blog/blog.aspx?id=2420
d) The role of government in regulating health care:
http://stpns.net/view_article.html?articleId=109510843610510810410
Respond to the following questions on the blog or on paper:
Summarize both candidates' views on the issue you selected. Evaluate the strengths and
weaknesses of each position. Did either candidates' views surprise you? Explain.
Who's views do you agree with more on this specific topic? Why?
Did either candidates' views surprise you? Explain.
Your response is due monday, 9/8 at the begining of class. 250 word minimum.
20 comments:
Justin Lefkowitz
C Block
The Health Care Debate
As everyone knows, the race to take over the White House is now down to two candidates, Barack Obama and John McCain. Some of the key topics that these candidates will debate on include the War on Terror, the economy, and Health Care.
Health Care is a very important topic to the people of America. Whichever candidate has the best view on Health Care, will most likely win the election.
According to the article, Republican Presidential Candidate, John McCain supports a modified free market approach to Health Care. "He proposes a tax credit of $2500 for individuals and $5,000 for families that can be used to purchase private Health Care plans." This free market approach is supposed to be both an easy and clean way to improve the citizens’ access to Health Care. This will also help to keep the government's role to a minimum in dealing with the Health Care situation.
Barack Obama's approach to dealing with Health Care is much different than that of John McCain's. Obama, unlike McCain, wants the government to play an active role in the Health Care situation. Obama wants to give the American citizens a choice between a private insurer and a government sponsored plan. According to this article by David Kerr, Obama's plan has the capability of being the best Health Care plan to ever be created. The only problem with it would be the cost. "McCain suggests it may cost $350 billion annually and says it will substantially increase taxes."
I am most surprised by the views of Senator John McCain because I was not expecting him to have such a strong Health Care plan for the nation. He is the first Republican Presidential Candidate since Richard Nixon to talk about Health Care. Obama’s plan, although very good is costly to the American people. I also think that Obama’s plan, although beneficial, will help to increase the problem with inflation in the United States.
Melissa Coughlin
The role of government in regulating health care:
David Kerr started out by saying, "Americans are feeling vulnerable." Because of this, Health Care is a big issue in the upcoming elections. McCain approaches health care in a safe way. He is willing to help out individuals and families by sending tax credits of $2500-$5000 to be used on health care plans. Yet, McCain's plan will not work because that is simply not enough money to support a single person or an entire family's health care needs. Barack Obama's plan seems more friendly to Americans because it is more based for the people who do not have health care coverage and people who are worried about losing their coverage. Americans will be able to chose a private insurer or a plan sponsered by the government. Yet, the plan would dramatically increase taxes. Personally, I don't like McCain's plans for health care. Obama's seem more likely to help uninsured Americans. Obama also will make sure that all children have insurance. The money for that would come from renewing Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy. I am not exactly surprised by either presidential candidate's plan for health care. In response to Justin Leftkowitz's comment, I agree that is somewhat surprising that McCain has brought up health care, due to the history of Republican's rarely speaking about the topic. But, he has to bring it up now because it is a very important topic, currently.
Gerald C lara Jr
C Block
As David Kerr said,"health care is going to be one of thise election's pivitol issues". This election, both candidates, John McCain and Barack Obama, talk about the issue of Health Care is an important issue for americans. Health Care has been a frightening issue to the public, as people don't know the future of health care, and are worried that health care could be worse than it already is. Both John McCain and Barack Obama propose an improvment plan for healthcare.
John McCain proposes a free market approach, where there is tax credit of $2500 for individuals and $5000 for families. This money could be used to pay for private Health Care Plans. The downside to McCain's proposal is that this might actually cost more for the middleclass society than the health plan that they might already have. This is also could undercut existing employer providing health coverage. This plan adds more of a risk than a benefit in one's perspective.
Barack Obama's proposal indicates national health plan giving american citizens a choice between a private insurer or a government sponsored plan. Obama's proposal guatentees a health care plan to everyone, and proved to be a more effiecient way of providing healthcare.The Downside is Obama's proposal would possibly increase taxes to provide what the people need.
In my opinion, i think Obama's plan would be more successful, and more reasonable. McCain proposes his plan without telling people that there is a risk of increasesing taxes. Nothin in life is free, and Obama knows that, and speaks freely to people about taxes maybe increasing to better benefit the economy.
Agreeing to justin's point, McCain even proposing an idea for healthcare was the most suprising, but will not be the most beneficial. i think Obama's plans for this politcal campaign is more realistic than McCain's.
The Presidential Election of 2008 has been a one of the most groundbreaking elections in U.S. history. But like every other election it has been surrounded my many controversies. Both Canadites Barack Obama and John McCain have both had interesting and intelligent views regarding different issues in the United States. These issues include the ongoing war, taxes, national defense and security, regulating energy and resource use and prices and most importantly the economy and health care.
The article "Obama vs. McCain: The Health Care Debate" By David Kerr discusses the issues and the candidates for president’s stands on the issue in the coming weeks and examines the health care debate. Both Candidates have different views. John McCain, the Republican nominee supports a modified free market approach."He proposes a tax credit of $2500 for individuals and $5,000 for families that can be used to purchase private health care plans. He thinks this is a nice, clean way, to improve access to health care, while at the same time, keeping the government’s role to a minimum." McCain's view may sound improvable but there are some weaknesses to his plan. Most private plans cost a lot more than the tax credits McCain is proposing. This means working families who struggle on a day to day basis will continue to struggle. "There is also the concern that it might undercut existing employer provided health care coverage."
The democratic nominee Obama’s approach is for a more active role on the part of the government. "He says his concern is for those Americans without coverage, and those who may lose that coverage in a bad economy.“national health plan” that would give Americans a choice between a private insurer or a government sponsored plan. The thinking is that the national program would be similar to the current Federal Employee Health Care Plans. Obama’s plan would probably be the most successful in guaranteeing health coverage and dealing with the issue of uninsured Americans. Obama's plan is a strong and fair plan. The weakness of his plan is that it may have a expensive cost.
Out of both views neither surprised me. But I would say that I agree with Obama's views more because it would be helping the less fortunate and working citizens of America. it will also ensure the government playing and active role in the health care situation which is what I think we need. Both candidates view surprise me because both sound very presentable but we can never know unless we really take time and examine them in depth.Both views have strong parts and both have weaknesses. I agree with Gerald's statement that nothing in life is free, and Obama knows that, and speaks freely to people about taxes maybe increasing to better benefit the economy.
It is one of the main issues this year, the health care debate. It is one of the pivotal aspects of both candidates campaign. Senators Obama and McCain both present a reasonable debate on the issues. Apparently healthcare is an issue that many Americans are worrying about, with the economy in downward spiral. This election both candidates have put in much emphasis and made many promises to change the current situation of the health care system. Naturally, the candidate who presents the most promising health care infrastructure for his campaign will be elected into the white house.
What surprised me was that a republican candidate would even mention, let alone discuss in detail, the prospects of a successful healthcare program. Like the article states that never after Nixon, has there been Republican candidate who stood up for health care issues. McCain has taken a very bold approach on this matter yet the plan he is proposing will not entirely profit the whole nation. It will only suffice for a meek percentage of Americans.
However, Obama’s campaign has launched a more widespread and somewhat radical approach to this matter. His plan does compel the nation for more tax induction yet it is for the benefit of the people. S senator McCain has stated in the article, it will expand the boundaries of the budget and cost nearly 350 billion dollars worth of funding. We must realize this is not cheap, yet we must also take into consideration the slow descent of our economy. In a few years this price would seem reasonable to pay rather than paying 2500 dollars per individual and a short concession of 5000 dollars for families. Although, senator McCain’s plan was well thought for Americans, it was only suitable in the short run.
In Contrast, Obama’s program shows much more promise for future conditions. Therefore, I agree with Gerald and Mellissa about senator Obama’s campaign being more credible and agreeable in terms of health care for our fellow Americans.
Farooq Hussain
C-block
-Mike Orr
The article that I choose “Obama vs. McCain: The health care debate”, by David Kerr summarized both Obama and McCain’s approach on how to ensure that there health care plans would be beneficial to everybody in the United States. Obama’s plan would cost the government 350 billion dollars a year and on top of that the government would have to raise taxes. McCain’s plan would give an individual $2,500 for private health care plans, and each family $5,000 for private health care plans, with out raising taxes and “keeping the government’s role to a minimum”
After reading this article, I felt that Obama’s approach shocked me most, because with his approach, it costs the government so much money, and raises taxes like they are not high enough already. Many people think taxes should be lowered now, and he wants to raise then, so to me Obamas approach was the most shocking.
After comparing both approaches, I feel that Obama’s plan would cost the people too much money, while on the other hand McCain’s does not. On this topic I agree that McCains plan would work best, and be cheaper and easier for the people to use, and understand. “ He thinks this is a nice, clean way, to improve access to health care, while at the same time, keeping the government’s role to a minimum.”
Margaret Scalesci
Block-C
The role of government in regulating health care:
Election Day is creeping up on America and at the moment there are two nominees to choose from. Selecting a President is a massive decision because it will affect Americans for the next four years and we want someone who is going to benefit us. Health care seems to be one of the major issues at hand and we want a President who will do the things we need in that department. Health care is an important factor on who will be most voted for because the people want something that is going to benefit them. “Next to the economy and the war, health care, is going to be one of this election’s pivotal issues.” It depends on which candidate’s health care stance speaks to the people more, because this is an issue that highly affects the people directly. “And yet roughly 47 million Americans and one million of these live in Virginia, have no health care coverage at all.”
Each Presidential candidate has set out their own positions on health care, so we know exactly what each of them stand for. It is surprising because most of the time Republicans do not care much about health care but it is a popular topic at this time. John McCain wants a free market approach in which people purchase private health care plans and that would keep the government’s role at minimum. “For one thing, most private plans cost a lot more than the tax credits McCain is proposing.” So, it will still be more money then he says it will, so that will be helping even less people. This seems to only be helpful for people who can afford this, but what about the people that can’t? This won’t affect them at all because they won’t be able to afford these plans. The only thing on his side would be that his plan is easy to understand. The strength of his plan is that it’s easy to understand but its weakness is that it won’t help many people, because they won’t be able to afford it.
On the other hand, Barack Obama’s approach would have the Government have a more active role in health care. He focuses on helping the people who aren’t currently covered by health insurance. This would affect the middle class who are also nervous about losing jobs, which include health benefits, for the reason of the unstable economy. “What he proposes is a “national health plan” that would give Americans a choice between a private insurer or a government sponsored plan.” This seems like a more beneficial way to help the people that need it most. The strength of his plan is that it would help more people, rather then a select group of people. The weakness is that it will cost more in taxes. I agree more with Obama’s approach because it will help more people that can’t afford healthcare. I agree with Farooq, because I was also surprised that a republican candidate would talk about a health care plan because they don’t seem to really care about that.
Steven Rivera
C Block
Government & Health Care
Health care is a very important topic that is grabbing a lot of attention from this presidential election between Barack Obama and John McCain. When it comes down to this topic both candidates have very good points, but at the same time will it put this country in a financial landslide. According to presidential candidate John McCain he believes that a modified free market approach to health care is the best way to go in order to improver it. This move might give voters second thoughts about passing thier vote because in order for this to happen McCain would have to find a great load of money in order to give poeple the tax credit that he is talking about. He would also have to cut funds from the military, and maybe even from the educational system to come up with that kind of money, and this the type of financial problem that I'm talking about for this country.
On the other hand Barack Obama's approach on health care is way different from McCains. Obama proposes that the American citizens should have a choise to whether they want a private insurer or a government sponsored plan. In my opinion the voters of this country will look into Obamas proposal because no one wants to be told what to do, and in a way thats exactly what John McCain is doing. I agree with Obamas approach because he is focusing on the people that dont really strive off of the health care that they have now, or on what they dont have, but at the same time focusing on each citizen. I cant say what will happen in this election, but all we can do is wait and see, but at the same time we have to be prepared for the worst no matter what happens.
Christopher Morawed
The article I chose to read was the article pertaining to health care in the united states, and what each candidate would do if given the chance to improve the conditions of health care in the united states for those who cant afford it. Many in the United States can’t afford it and both Obama and McCain are trying to approach the situation in a way that will cause most voters to sway their way. I believe that McCain’s views are more simplistic as well as affordable for most of the United States. Obama’s plan, although he put the health problem into perspective, his plan would cost money and would raise the taxes paid by all residents. This may stir up a problem because many people are already complaining about the tax paying issue so raising it may not be the best move for Obama.
The most shocking person is my mind was McCain’s view because I did not think he would take such a strong desire with the healthcare in the United States. I did believe that he had some sort of sympathy for health care but not to the point where he would make it simple and easy for us to follow.
Holler C-Block!
This is Kimber Gangemi, btw.
Me blog is based on the candidates views on energy and resources. Go Green. <3
The energy and resource situation has become a major point in the presidential election, given that the gas prices have sharply increased in the past years, and have continued on a roller coaster ever since. The presidential candidates, McCain and Obama, seem to be taking different routes to a better planet. McCain is putting his focus into technology of industry and science, over a gradual time span. Meanwhile, Obama is focusing more on relying on the economy in a short time span. McCain plans to reduce carbon emission by committing 2 billion a year for 15 year. Obama is putting forth 150 billion to build a new energy economy over the next 10 years. Furthermore, McCain would explore foreign drilling in hopes to reduce has prices. Also, he would allow states to decide whether its possible to drill on their land, and would avoid wilderness areas. Yay, he’s saving the animals! Obama weighs towards opposition of offshore drilling, but hopes to find alternate energy sources. This is also a plus, since we’re running out of our own resources. To my surprise, McCain proposes a $300 million reward to make an energy efficient car, such as electric cars! It’s like Willy Wonka, and the car is the golden ticket. Obama plans to give money to the auto plants to retool and rebuild fuel efficient cars and factories, with $4 billion. Both candidates plan to find safe ways to use and store nuclear energy. In brief, Obama wants change sooner, but at the cost of an abundance of money. Meanwhile, McCain wants less expensive change, but at the cost of time. Overall, I seem to agree with McCain. With time comes new developments and technology which could also be used to put forth a brighter planet. Thus, McCain could use his time and money to incorporate these new developments. But Obama isn’t given the time or money a change to expand and grow.
USA ALL THE WAY!
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/05/energy.plans
So sorry for the "dead links" . They worked for me Friday and now only D seems to be operational. I'll post the other topics again this week for your own reference. I'm glad Kimi went ahead and found her own link on the topic that interested her most and encourage anyone else to do the same - be sure to include the URL.
It seems most of you favor the Obama plan to make an affordable national health care option. Mike Orr points out that Obama's affordable national health plan would demand more taxes from all Americans to fund the program. I'm wondering if our class would support a tax hike to fund such a program. If not, where should this money be drawn from?
Also, how will this affect the health care industry and private doctors?
Keep the ideas coming, this is an intriguing discussion so far!
Michela Infantino
C Block
Barbara Ehrenreich, employed at the time with the New Yorker magazine, published a novel titled, Nickel and Dimed. Nickel and Dimed highlighted the underclassmen living underneath the poverty line. Struggling Upward by Horatio Alger was a novel written in the mid-eighties about young boys inspired to work to attain the “American Dream,” as many people presently strive for.
Alger had written on one of his first pages,
“He was the son of the storekeeper, and his father allowed him only ten cents a week pocket-money, so that ten dollars in his eyes was a colossal fortune. "I have no doubt you would, Sam," said Tom, joyously; "but you couldn't be trusted with so much money. You'd go down to New York and try to buy out A. T. Stewart.”
Back in the day a simple Jefferson would be worth a lot to an individual, believe it or not, a ten dollar bill still would be worth a lot to an overworked underpaid consumer. According to the National Coalition on Heath Care, in 2007, there was an estimated $2.3 trillion (or $7600 per person) spent on expenditures. Also, in only a decade United States health care is expected to double the amount of inflation. The ABC News, Kaiser Family Foundation and USA Today, formed a three way partnership in September of 2006 to conduct a survey questionnaire. Of 1,201 adults ages eighteen and older, eighty percent is dissatisfied with the total cost of health care and fifty four percent dissatisfied with the quality of health care in the United States. Another question from the Health Care in American Society survey was, “What’s the main reason you do not currently have health insurance?” Fifty-four percent stated health insurance is too expensive along with a fifteen percent stating they were denied health insurance due to their poor health, illness or age.
This year, as we do every four years, vote on the candidate that would be able to represent the United States as our president. Our major candidates for this coming November are Barack Obama and John McCain. The Journal - King George County had published David Kerr’s article, August 27th, 2008, Obama vs. McCain: The Health Care Debate. Both candidates agree that the United States health care is an issue but like Kerr had pointed out, “Not only is there a difference in personality and style, but there are also clear differences between the two candidates when it comes to the issues.”
I do find it rather odd, interesting and surprising that John McCain spoke on the United States health care issue. McCain’s approach calls for “$2,500 tax credit for individuals and $5,000 for families that can be used to purchase private health care plans. I agree with Farooq Hussian’s opinion, “His plan does compel the nation for more tax induction yet it is for the benefit of the people. Senator McCain has stated in the article, it will expand the boundaries of the budget and cost nearly 350 billion dollars worth of funding. We must realize this is not cheap, yet we must also take into consideration the slow descent of our economy. In a few years this price would seem reasonable to pay rather than paying $2,500 dollars per individual and a short concession of 5000 dollars for families. Although, senator McCain’s plan was well thought for Americans, it was only suitable in the short run.”
It’s relieving that McCain would take the extra step to even consider tax credits for civilians. On the other hand, his idea seems inefficient and risky. I also agree with Melissa Coughlin when said, “McCain's plan will not work because that is simply not enough money to support a single person or an entire family's health care needs.”
Barack Obama’s objective is keeping our economy safe as well as our health care at the same time. I must subside with the rest of my class and agree that Obama’s actions are the way to go! Osama’s “doing away with the President’s tax cuts for upper income Americans, can make up the difference,” as Kerr proclaimed.
. . . continued,
In regard Ms. Francis' questions, "Would (the class) support a tax hike to fund such a program? If not, where should this money be drawn from? Also, how will this affect the health care industry and private doctors?
Now that I think about it, wouldn't the extra money that would be going into the tax cut, be the extra money for ones health care service, ? But i would believe that the health care industry's and private doctors would be loosing big bucks over Obama's plan.
For this blog I read article “c”, “McCain and Obama Talk Defense.” This article was very interesting in two ways. The first way was that Senator Obama’s Proposal to strengthen our armed force because I assumed that he would want to weaken military size and strength. The second thing that surprised me was how they both agreed on compensation and relief for military and their families. I would think that McCain would have been more empathetic then Obama towards military because of his experiences in Vietnam.
Something that really comforts me is what McCain says to question regarding Osama’s location. Someone ask if McCain would “nail Osama if he knew where he was?” And McCain responded with a strong yes. This makes me feel safer because I know that my president will stop at nothing to neutralize a threat to national security and make my and every other American life easier. Another thing that makes me feel warm inside is that McCain’s military knowledge and “personal experience” would put McCain on the same page as the United States Army as opposed to Obama. The only thing that McCain said that I do not particularly agree with was when he stated that there is no need to revisit American military policies with Israel. Other then that McCain would be much better Commander-in-Chief then Obama. McCain has been to Iraq plenty of times and really understands what is going on over sees, having a better idea of what is happening there.
anthony fontana
Block C
Lefty: 5
Melissa: 4
Gerald:4.5
Quelmi: 4.5
Farooq: 4.5 - almost a 5 but I think you misunderstood McCain's plan; the tax credit would actually SAVE money for the privately insured
Mike O: 4.5
Margaret: 4.5
Steve : 4
Chris: 4
Kimi: 4.5
Michela: 5 (impressive, if this was on time you would've received a 5.5)
Anthony: 4
Politicians… greasy, slimy, "caring" liars. They'll say and promise anything just to get out votes. Only few have some good intentions on actually helping the people sticking to there promises. Two politicians who actually seem to care for the people of the United States are John McCain and Barack Obama. The two politicians have very opposite views on people’s health care. John McCain believes in a modified free market approach. He promotes a tax credit relief program that will give individuals $2,500 and $5,000 to families. This money can be used to purchase private health care plans. His main plan is to improve healthcare but keeping the government's involvement to minimal. Obama, on the other hand, wants the government to help with the health care program. Obama came up with a “national health plan” that would give American citizens a choice between a government’s funded healthcare program or a private insurance company.
John McCain’s plans have some small flaws in it. For instance, a lot of private health insurance plans cost a lot more money than what his plan is offering. There is also a concern that his plan might offer less money than existing employee provided health care coverage. Obama’s plan on the other hand will cover ever American citizens, but with a hefty price. The estimate cost is of his “national health plan” is $350 billion dollars annually and taxes are likely to increase.
I agree with Obama’s views on healthcare because it assures all American citizens health insurance. Not all people can afford health insurance so they suffer. Yea, some people throughout the states may not deserve the health insurance they would be receiving for what ever reason it may be. But for the majority of United States citizens who do work hard for a living but may have messed up in school and can’t get a job that comes with health benefits deserve it. For instance my father, he made a few mistakes in high school and now he cant find a job that offers health coverage and since him and my mom aren’t married he isn’t covered by her insurance. So yes there are some people who may not deserve it but for the ones who do its worth paying the extra taxes.
lalalalala, vinny rivzzzzz*
Farooq hussain
C-Block
Q. In your opinion, which branch of government has the most power?
Although the system of checks and balances makes sure no branch of government overpowers the other, there is still some inequity between the powers of these branches. In my opinion the legislative also known as the reserved branch has more power and importance than the other two branches. This branch of government makes many of the important laws that are suitable for their state and also decide collectively upon which law should be accepted or not. It is this branch of government, that has the final say in whether a law is acceptable or not. A law has to be passed through congress before it can be made official. They also play a major part in determining the direction of our country’s leadership. They conduct elections and they also develop laws to regulate problems not dealt by federal laws. It is this branch of government that deals with intrastate commerce and enforces as well as establishes laws to regulate commerce. The federal branch merely enforces laws, where as the real authority lies with the reserved powers. The reserved branch can also amend laws, meaning reject previous laws in order to make new ones. Further more it is independent of the executive branch, whereas the executive branch is partially reliant on the legislature. If a president whishes to wage war it must pass through congress first, another example of where the federal power are answerable to the state powers.
Basically, the reserved powers are the representatives of the people in their state; hence their ruling is the rule of the people. Moreover, they are the backbone of our government as we can analyze from the powers which they hold. The reserved powers a re protected by the 10th amendment as a perpetual sign of the existence of a democracy, and it is this part of our federation which enables the people to have a say I how their country is governed.
Saman Mahmood’s
C Block
the Health Care Debate
The race for the new president is coming to an end soon, and they two candidates that we are left are (d) Barack Obama, and (r) john McCain. To name a few key topics that could make these two candidates election: war on terror, heath care, and the Economy. Health care being one very important topic, both McCain and Obama have two very different plans for the nation’s health care plan. John McCain wants a free market approach to the health care crisis. He thinks that a family should get five thousand dollars and an indivual should get twenty five hundred. Which give them the power to choose what health care they want, and it’s a lot less of the government getting evolved. Barack Obama has a whole different type of plan; in his plan the government had a major role in health care. He wants to give Americans the choice in government sponsored plans or private insurer. But the only problem is that it would cost 350 billion dollars anally, and there would be an increase in taxes. The plan that had my vote is senator john McCain's plan. I believe that the government should have a small role, and people can choose what health care they want. Obama’s plans costs a lot and our economy is doing bad as it is.
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