Bobby Jindal Shows True Colors
An article on CNN.com goes into detail about how Bobby Jindal, Republican governor from Louisiana, has drawn criticism for his remark that "instead of monitoring volcanoes, what Congress should be monitoring is the eruption of spending in Washington."
Now, let's think about what he just said. He is the governor of Louisiana, a state far too familiar than it would like to be with national disasters. Everybody remembers about when Katrina hit and left New Orleans in wreckage that still has not been completely renovated. So now that part of the Obama stimulus package includes giving the United States Geological Survey money to survey volcano-rich areas of the Pacific Northwest, Jindal has a problem with it. People in Washington state can remind him about the disaster that many endured during the Mount St. Helens eruption of 1980. Natural disasters happen, and it's best to be aware of the risks and be prepared to stop such disasters from happening, or at least alert people when they will be happening. Not to be forgotten, this part of legislation creates more jobs for the USGS, and in this economy, anything that produces another American job is a positive and should not be taken lightly.
It seems that all Bobby Jindal, like a lot of Republicans these days, wants to do is play politics. Instead of using reason, or at least pretending like you want to hear somebody out and at least settle, the Republicans will not negotiate, and in the process they are setting a bad example for our nation. Maybe one day Jindal will learn.
An article on CNN.com goes into detail about how Bobby Jindal, Republican governor from Louisiana, has drawn criticism for his remark that "instead of monitoring volcanoes, what Congress should be monitoring is the eruption of spending in Washington."
Now, let's think about what he just said. He is the governor of Louisiana, a state far too familiar than it would like to be with national disasters. Everybody remembers about when Katrina hit and left New Orleans in wreckage that still has not been completely renovated. So now that part of the Obama stimulus package includes giving the United States Geological Survey money to survey volcano-rich areas of the Pacific Northwest, Jindal has a problem with it. People in Washington state can remind him about the disaster that many endured during the Mount St. Helens eruption of 1980. Natural disasters happen, and it's best to be aware of the risks and be prepared to stop such disasters from happening, or at least alert people when they will be happening. Not to be forgotten, this part of legislation creates more jobs for the USGS, and in this economy, anything that produces another American job is a positive and should not be taken lightly.
It seems that all Bobby Jindal, like a lot of Republicans these days, wants to do is play politics. Instead of using reason, or at least pretending like you want to hear somebody out and at least settle, the Republicans will not negotiate, and in the process they are setting a bad example for our nation. Maybe one day Jindal will learn.
Obama Will Lay Out 8 Keys to Healthcare reform
According to an article on Yahoo!, Obama and his administration will soon lay down a 10-year, $634 billion reserve for healthcare expansion in America. The plan, according to some Obama sources, is to "aim for universality."
Once again, I am pleasantly surprised by Barack Obama, who will announce his plan, along with his eight principles for the plan, on Thursday. I believe everybody should have healthcare, and if this article is reliable, then this is a step in that direction.
Before the opposition cries foul, Obama's plan is to pay for half of the plan by putting a tax hike on Americans making more than $250,000 a year. Let's be honest. Those that are making that kind of money do not have any trouble affording healthcare, and will not really notice that much if a little bit of a tax increase is put on to their income so some less fortunate people can see a doctor.
Once again, Republicans do not like this, and Democrats love this. So, who can we trust? How about Ron Pollack, executive director for Families USA. He says of the healthcare plan, "What is so remarkable is within 24 hours of saying health care reform must be done, the president showed his commitment to putting significant money on the table in a fiscally responsible way."
There you have it. Somebody in the business of health care reform likes the idea, and so do I. We won't have universal healthcare for awhile, but at least we will be able to allow our nation's less fortunate have affordable healthcare. And yes, I realize it is at the rich's expense, but quite frankly, I don't see why they should be complaining. They will still be fortunate after the tax hike, others around them aren't as fortunate. Obama is serving the greater good, and they should accept that fact.
Once again, I am pleasantly surprised by Barack Obama, who will announce his plan, along with his eight principles for the plan, on Thursday. I believe everybody should have healthcare, and if this article is reliable, then this is a step in that direction.
Before the opposition cries foul, Obama's plan is to pay for half of the plan by putting a tax hike on Americans making more than $250,000 a year. Let's be honest. Those that are making that kind of money do not have any trouble affording healthcare, and will not really notice that much if a little bit of a tax increase is put on to their income so some less fortunate people can see a doctor.
Once again, Republicans do not like this, and Democrats love this. So, who can we trust? How about Ron Pollack, executive director for Families USA. He says of the healthcare plan, "What is so remarkable is within 24 hours of saying health care reform must be done, the president showed his commitment to putting significant money on the table in a fiscally responsible way."
There you have it. Somebody in the business of health care reform likes the idea, and so do I. We won't have universal healthcare for awhile, but at least we will be able to allow our nation's less fortunate have affordable healthcare. And yes, I realize it is at the rich's expense, but quite frankly, I don't see why they should be complaining. They will still be fortunate after the tax hike, others around them aren't as fortunate. Obama is serving the greater good, and they should accept that fact.
Biden to Make Sure States Use Stimulus Money Properly
Joe Biden is not really following the role most Vice Presidents serve. He isn't afraid to state his mind about issues. However, in regards to the distribution of the stimulus money, Biden may be talking just enough.
According to a report on MSNBC.com, Biden will make sure that states distribute the stimulus money provided to them quickly and effectively, making sure that the money is being used to help Americans needing Medicaid and housing, for example. He said that if states choose to use the funds improperly, the Obama administration will take some of it back. Biden plans to meet with government officials each week to find out how they are spending the federal government's money, and he has stated that he will be a pain in the neck and is not afraid to embarrass violaters on television.
Okay, so maybe Biden is using a bit too many scare tactics. But he has a point. This is a lot of money being doled out to each state, and in order for the stimulus bill to work, the money needs to be spent the way that the Obama administration desires it to be spent. If states don't spend it the way they are required to, then obviously some punishment is necessary. I like the fact that Biden is going to be right up on the states to ensure that they do what is right. This shows me that this bill will be used correctly and actually have a positive effect. Republican states cannot just protest the bill by spending money on things not approved by the federal government. If they choose to reject some of the funds, then the people of the state should be really mad, because a state that is in need of money should never reject money solely on political grounds. However, if that is the case, then great, that money that the state does not want can be given to a state that appreciates the money and follows the rules. It's their choice whether or not to spend the money, but if they do, they better make sure they stick to the requirements.
Joe Biden is not really following the role most Vice Presidents serve. He isn't afraid to state his mind about issues. However, in regards to the distribution of the stimulus money, Biden may be talking just enough.
According to a report on MSNBC.com, Biden will make sure that states distribute the stimulus money provided to them quickly and effectively, making sure that the money is being used to help Americans needing Medicaid and housing, for example. He said that if states choose to use the funds improperly, the Obama administration will take some of it back. Biden plans to meet with government officials each week to find out how they are spending the federal government's money, and he has stated that he will be a pain in the neck and is not afraid to embarrass violaters on television.
Okay, so maybe Biden is using a bit too many scare tactics. But he has a point. This is a lot of money being doled out to each state, and in order for the stimulus bill to work, the money needs to be spent the way that the Obama administration desires it to be spent. If states don't spend it the way they are required to, then obviously some punishment is necessary. I like the fact that Biden is going to be right up on the states to ensure that they do what is right. This shows me that this bill will be used correctly and actually have a positive effect. Republican states cannot just protest the bill by spending money on things not approved by the federal government. If they choose to reject some of the funds, then the people of the state should be really mad, because a state that is in need of money should never reject money solely on political grounds. However, if that is the case, then great, that money that the state does not want can be given to a state that appreciates the money and follows the rules. It's their choice whether or not to spend the money, but if they do, they better make sure they stick to the requirements.
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