Earlier in the week Donald Trump appeared on the view and stated that he has doubts about whether Barack Obama is a citizen.
He seems to think that it is perfectly reasonable to demand that the president carry his birth certificate around with him everywhere he goes. Aside from being incredibly stupid this is an invasion of privacy that Mr. Trump would never allow to be perpetrated on himself.
As someone who constantly has to prove myself to the GOP I completely understand why Obama refuses this ludicrous request. See in America if you don't look white you must be hiding something. Also if you spent any time outside of the United States you are clearly un-American.
Look so many people have requested to see the president's birth certificate that Hawaii is overwhelmed. Yet this birther movement persists, why? I will tell you. When a group of people want something to be true they will ignore all evidence and reason. If the president came on television tonight with his birth certificate and the little foot print thing from his hospital; these people would claim it was a fake. The guy can't catch a break from these people. Why should he have to play their games.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
A budget story
This feels a bit like beating a dead horse, but people still don't seem to get it. So I hope this will set them straight.
A family finds out that one of them is going to lose their job. They have poor credit so they cannot ask for more. They outline what they spend each month, and discover that rent accounts for 40% of their budget.
They decide that making little cuts here and there. Such as downsizing their cable and cell phone plans, will not save them very much. So the father decides to stop paying rent. The whole family agrees, without rent they have way more money in their wallets.
Three months later the landlord has finished the eviction process, the family is out on the street.
They did indeed save in the short term, but now they have no idea how to get out of the trouble they are in. Without a home the other members lose their jobs and health benefits.
This sounds ridiculous right?
Yet this is exactly what the Republican party wants us to do. When this family stopped paying rent they negatively affected people who were depending on them. Without the rent their landlord could not pay his mortgage. They saved themselves money for awhile, but did so at great cost to other people who counted on them. I think we can all agree that the actions of this family were rash, selfish, and irresponsible.
Making many small cuts in non essential programs will make a difference. Don't let pundits fool you into believing it won't. The damage done by ending, or severely slashing essential programs will be severe and long lasting. It is the middle class that build this economy. It is middle class and lower class Americans that spend the money they earn. Those receiving the tax breaks are the same people who are sending their money, and our jobs over seas.
A family finds out that one of them is going to lose their job. They have poor credit so they cannot ask for more. They outline what they spend each month, and discover that rent accounts for 40% of their budget.
They decide that making little cuts here and there. Such as downsizing their cable and cell phone plans, will not save them very much. So the father decides to stop paying rent. The whole family agrees, without rent they have way more money in their wallets.
Three months later the landlord has finished the eviction process, the family is out on the street.
They did indeed save in the short term, but now they have no idea how to get out of the trouble they are in. Without a home the other members lose their jobs and health benefits.
This sounds ridiculous right?
Yet this is exactly what the Republican party wants us to do. When this family stopped paying rent they negatively affected people who were depending on them. Without the rent their landlord could not pay his mortgage. They saved themselves money for awhile, but did so at great cost to other people who counted on them. I think we can all agree that the actions of this family were rash, selfish, and irresponsible.
Making many small cuts in non essential programs will make a difference. Don't let pundits fool you into believing it won't. The damage done by ending, or severely slashing essential programs will be severe and long lasting. It is the middle class that build this economy. It is middle class and lower class Americans that spend the money they earn. Those receiving the tax breaks are the same people who are sending their money, and our jobs over seas.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Republican budget. A vidio depiction
This is more of an anti war song, but it hits on the issue of budget a little.
It should be noted that this was directed at president Bush. I would dedicate it to both our current president and everyone in congress.
Higher education
Recently Howard Stephenson R-Draper, said that degrees in psychology, Sociology history and philosophy were useless. He called them degrees to nowhere. He went on to say that applied technology schools were better for students and that graduates were more prepared for employment. (Utah Statesman, March, 14, 2011)
Though I feel that applied technology schools are great for some students, they are certainly not the only good educational option. One of the biggest problems with AP schools is that they flood the market with graduates who have a small set of very specific skills. A graduate from Stephan's Hennager's oral hygienist program is going to end up competing for jobs with all of her graduating class. That degree, though useful, is non transferable.
Someone who graduates with a degree in History or Philosophy can go into several different fields.
The most important thing to remember is that we are all unique and we all have something to contribute to society. The educational opportunities in any state should reflect the diverse nature of humankind.
For those who want the facts, here are some statistics.
according to the 2010 Bureau of Labor the unemployment rate for persons holding a bathelors degree was 4.8% Those who had an associates degree, the category that covers applied technology degrees had an unemployment rate of 8.1%.(Statesman,pg 1)
Today the one quality that employers say is lacking in students is the ability to communicate well. That includes e mail memo's and face to face interactions.
So don't make the mistake of thinking that there is only one reason to go to school. Education is far more than quick and dirty money. It is becoming a better citizen and a better communicator.
Though I feel that applied technology schools are great for some students, they are certainly not the only good educational option. One of the biggest problems with AP schools is that they flood the market with graduates who have a small set of very specific skills. A graduate from Stephan's Hennager's oral hygienist program is going to end up competing for jobs with all of her graduating class. That degree, though useful, is non transferable.
Someone who graduates with a degree in History or Philosophy can go into several different fields.
The most important thing to remember is that we are all unique and we all have something to contribute to society. The educational opportunities in any state should reflect the diverse nature of humankind.
For those who want the facts, here are some statistics.
according to the 2010 Bureau of Labor the unemployment rate for persons holding a bathelors degree was 4.8% Those who had an associates degree, the category that covers applied technology degrees had an unemployment rate of 8.1%.(Statesman,pg 1)
Today the one quality that employers say is lacking in students is the ability to communicate well. That includes e mail memo's and face to face interactions.
So don't make the mistake of thinking that there is only one reason to go to school. Education is far more than quick and dirty money. It is becoming a better citizen and a better communicator.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Why God and government don't mix
Lately there have been a lot of my FB friends posting one of those chain messages. It says something about wanting God back in schools and government.
As a Political Science major and the wife of a history major, I could not let this stand.
Our founding fathers did not intend for this nation to be a theocracy. They put provisions in place so that no church would dominate the government of the country. So God was never in government.
My other problem with this statement is this, which God do they want. If you are LDS you don't want the baptist god, because he doesn't believe you are a Christian church. See the idea of God's law sounds nice, it sounds reasonable even preferable to a secular set of rules. The problem is, that nobody would be able to agree on who's version of God to follow. If it is Jehovah Witness God, then say good bye to birthdays and all other holidays.
It's more than just disagreement over rules though. The idea of God centered government completely does away with personal choice. It also leaves out the needs of those who's religious or spiritual beliefs do not include a God. Would you force the children of free thinkers or atheists to pray in school? If you want a look at what God centered government is look at Iran. The people there thought that a return to God's law sounded wonderful, but when it didn't turn out that way they voted their leaders out. Their leaders threw out the vote of the people and didn't go anywhere.
I can think of nothing so frightening as religious rule.
If this nation were ruled by Evangelicals for example, there would be no sex education, no science, and no history that did not agree with biblical stories.
George W Bush spoke weekly to Ted Haggert and when these weekly chats were made public it severely damaged his reputation, and the reputation of the U.S.
If your goal is to cultivate a social awareness, do so in a way that does not force others to conform to your reality.
As a Political Science major and the wife of a history major, I could not let this stand.
Our founding fathers did not intend for this nation to be a theocracy. They put provisions in place so that no church would dominate the government of the country. So God was never in government.
My other problem with this statement is this, which God do they want. If you are LDS you don't want the baptist god, because he doesn't believe you are a Christian church. See the idea of God's law sounds nice, it sounds reasonable even preferable to a secular set of rules. The problem is, that nobody would be able to agree on who's version of God to follow. If it is Jehovah Witness God, then say good bye to birthdays and all other holidays.
It's more than just disagreement over rules though. The idea of God centered government completely does away with personal choice. It also leaves out the needs of those who's religious or spiritual beliefs do not include a God. Would you force the children of free thinkers or atheists to pray in school? If you want a look at what God centered government is look at Iran. The people there thought that a return to God's law sounded wonderful, but when it didn't turn out that way they voted their leaders out. Their leaders threw out the vote of the people and didn't go anywhere.
I can think of nothing so frightening as religious rule.
If this nation were ruled by Evangelicals for example, there would be no sex education, no science, and no history that did not agree with biblical stories.
George W Bush spoke weekly to Ted Haggert and when these weekly chats were made public it severely damaged his reputation, and the reputation of the U.S.
If your goal is to cultivate a social awareness, do so in a way that does not force others to conform to your reality.
Monday, March 7, 2011
HUD programs
There has been a lot of talk about the GOP spending bill. All of it is bad, from cutting PBS and NPR, to Planned Parenthood. Now it is revealed that the GOP plan would cut section 811 housing funding.
This is important for people to know, because this type of housing assistance helps those with permanent disabilities. This includes veterans. Yes there are non profits that help wounded vets get homes, but that accounts for a minuscule amount of our vets living in poverty and with a disability. The short sightedness of this cut is obvious, the GOP is not even thinking about where these people will go.
People who receive SSI have not been given a cost of living increase since 2008. The cost of living increase was one of the first things Obama cut in order to gain support for the stimulus programs.
But this isn't just about a group of people on a fixed income paying higher rent. This is about the fact that most wheelchair accessible housing is part of this voucher program. Even though the ADA says that multi-unit housing has to include one or two accessible apartments, there are many that do not. The other item to consider is that the waiting lists for accessible housing are as much as two years long in some communities. This means that even if a person could fix it so that they could pay higher rent, there may not be housing available.
Without this government aid most landlords will simply let the bank foreclose on the properties, or open it up to college students. Why let my husband and I live here for say 650 dollars when they can get quadruple that by renting to four students.
The GOP are not thinking (or maybe they are) about the pure capitalist mindset of land lords. Do they really think that these LLC's will show restraint or concern for their current tenants.
Gloria Steinem said that to the GOP life begins at conception and ends at birth. What she meant by this is that women must give birth to every baby, and take care of them all on her own.
I have heard the arguments before, "my tax dollars shouldn't go to the poor".
My answer to that is two fold, some of those poor fought for your freedom, and my tax dollars go to fund unethical wars. We all pay for things we don't use or programs we don't agree with. At some point we have to decide what kind of people are we going to be. Do we let the disabled and the vet die on the street or locked up in institutions, or do we stand up for each other and treat every person with dignity.
I know what kind of person I am. What kind of person are you?
This is important for people to know, because this type of housing assistance helps those with permanent disabilities. This includes veterans. Yes there are non profits that help wounded vets get homes, but that accounts for a minuscule amount of our vets living in poverty and with a disability. The short sightedness of this cut is obvious, the GOP is not even thinking about where these people will go.
People who receive SSI have not been given a cost of living increase since 2008. The cost of living increase was one of the first things Obama cut in order to gain support for the stimulus programs.
But this isn't just about a group of people on a fixed income paying higher rent. This is about the fact that most wheelchair accessible housing is part of this voucher program. Even though the ADA says that multi-unit housing has to include one or two accessible apartments, there are many that do not. The other item to consider is that the waiting lists for accessible housing are as much as two years long in some communities. This means that even if a person could fix it so that they could pay higher rent, there may not be housing available.
Without this government aid most landlords will simply let the bank foreclose on the properties, or open it up to college students. Why let my husband and I live here for say 650 dollars when they can get quadruple that by renting to four students.
The GOP are not thinking (or maybe they are) about the pure capitalist mindset of land lords. Do they really think that these LLC's will show restraint or concern for their current tenants.
Gloria Steinem said that to the GOP life begins at conception and ends at birth. What she meant by this is that women must give birth to every baby, and take care of them all on her own.
I have heard the arguments before, "my tax dollars shouldn't go to the poor".
My answer to that is two fold, some of those poor fought for your freedom, and my tax dollars go to fund unethical wars. We all pay for things we don't use or programs we don't agree with. At some point we have to decide what kind of people are we going to be. Do we let the disabled and the vet die on the street or locked up in institutions, or do we stand up for each other and treat every person with dignity.
I know what kind of person I am. What kind of person are you?
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Balancing the budget
It is of great interest to me how Republicans can continue to justify cutting programs that benefit society and create jobs. Not only that, these programs protect the planet from destruction and make sure that the water we drink and the air we breath is clean. Well as clean as it can be given the sheer number of pollutants out there. It is painfully clear to me that the choices they are making have nothing to do with budgets at all. When the Republicans lost the white house in ,08 they made a deal with several devils. Get us back into office and we will extend to you great favors. So the Rupert Murdock Tea Party was born. Now lest you think I am going a little Glenn Beck on you, look at the facts. The Koch brothers huge backers of the Republican party for many years, are set to receive huge energy contracts in Wisconsin. At the national level the Republican leadership wants to ban the EPA. When Sharon Angle said it we all waved it off, but when members of the house say it we have to take it more seriously.
Now, this isn't completely new tactics. What is new is the unapologetic, dare I say balls out warfare. Taken individually these tactics are signature Republican. But they are hitting us from all sides. Abortion, environment, education, social programs, continued tax breaks for the wealthy. I will admit that I am young so I could be wrong, but during the Clinton era Republicans were willing to compromise on their contract with America. Now there is simply no way to please them, their tactics border on tyrannical.
So with that in mind, what would help to balance the budget?
1. end the Bush tax cuts
2. end oil subsidies to the oil industry
3. stop paying farmers to leave land fallow, let them grow food
4. cut military spending for things like NASCAR sponsorships, they can use a much cheaper recruiting booth
5. cut duplicate programs as long as they truly are clones of each other
6. repeal DOMA and save millions
7. doing #3 and #6 will increase revenue to local economies
8. stop spending money on outdated military machines
9. tap into our oil reserves so that gas prices don't stall our economy
10. leave health care reform in place so that more people will be insurable and therefore more desirable as employees
Surely more can be done, this is just a starting point.
Now, this isn't completely new tactics. What is new is the unapologetic, dare I say balls out warfare. Taken individually these tactics are signature Republican. But they are hitting us from all sides. Abortion, environment, education, social programs, continued tax breaks for the wealthy. I will admit that I am young so I could be wrong, but during the Clinton era Republicans were willing to compromise on their contract with America. Now there is simply no way to please them, their tactics border on tyrannical.
So with that in mind, what would help to balance the budget?
1. end the Bush tax cuts
2. end oil subsidies to the oil industry
3. stop paying farmers to leave land fallow, let them grow food
4. cut military spending for things like NASCAR sponsorships, they can use a much cheaper recruiting booth
5. cut duplicate programs as long as they truly are clones of each other
6. repeal DOMA and save millions
7. doing #3 and #6 will increase revenue to local economies
8. stop spending money on outdated military machines
9. tap into our oil reserves so that gas prices don't stall our economy
10. leave health care reform in place so that more people will be insurable and therefore more desirable as employees
Surely more can be done, this is just a starting point.
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