My Favorite Holiday

My favorite Holiday is Christmas! I love the season of Christmas because of all of the traditions involved, but also because of what it celebrates... the birth of Jesus Christ! On Christmas Eve my family and I celebrate by going to church, and then to my grandparents with all of my cousins. At my grandparents we eat pizza, open some presents, and then watch Home Alone 2... such a classic. On Christmas Day me and my family open our stockings and then our presents, and after a big breakfast me and all my cousins play a rousing game of street hockey. I love Christmas because I love hearing of and being reminded of the birth of my Savior, and because of the quality time I get to spend with all of my family!

Political Cartoon #4- Santa Care

1. This cartoon was drawn by John Trever.

2. This cartoon was published on December 18, 2009 in "The Albuquerque Journal".

3. This cartoon deals with the issue of the continued debate over the health care reform.

4. The cartoon's message is that liberals and moderates (displayed by the reindeer) have such different ideas of what should be included in the health care reform, and are so unwilling to compromise that they have led the reform (Santa Obama) into a brick wall.

5. I agree with this cartoon. Republicans and Democrats are having such a hard time listening to each other's ideas, and coming to an agreement that they are stalling the Health Care Bill. It's beginning to look questionable as to whether or not the bill will be passed through the senate by Christmas. It has been said that there will be a vote on the bill later tonight, however Republicans are trying to delay the vote. It will be interesting to see whether or not a vote is in by Christmas.

Public displays of religious symbols

I think displays of religious symbols on public property during the holiday season is ok. I think that Americans today are too concerned with being politically correct that they think they cannot ever mention religion so that the don't offend anyone else. Really I think anyone and everyone should have the freedom to display their religion privately or publicly. I think that the key to having religious symbols displayed publicly is that people need to be respectful of other's beliefs and realize they they have just as much a right to public display their personal beliefs. I think the whole idea of religious symbols not be allowed to be publicly displayed during the holidays really illustrates how much today's culture has forgotten about the true meaning of all the holidays that are celebrated. Without religion these holidays wouldn't exist, and without remembering and celebrating the religious symbols of the holiday, your not truly celebrating the holiday at all.

Political Cartoon #3-Wise Men Cutback

1. This cartoon was drawn by Jeff Parker.
2. The cartoon was published on December 11, 2009 in Florida Today.
3. This cartoon deals with the effects of our countries current economic situation on American consumer's spending this Christmas season.
4. The cartoon's message is that this year due to the poor economy and rising numbers of unemployment, most people are spending less on Christmas this year. The cartoon shows the three wise men who brought gifts of gold, fracencense, and myrrh to Jesus on the night of his birth, holding cheaper gifts such as aluminum, potpourri, and baby oil. These less expensive offerings are meant to illustrate that most people are spending less on gifts, decoration, and other expenses that go along with the holiday season.
5. I agree with the cartoon, people are definitely spending less money on the holidays this year. With the economy showing little signs of improvement, and increasing rates of unemployment, people are being more cautious of their money, and rightfully so. Americans need to make sure they have enough money to live off of before they can they can spend on the luxuries of Christmas. Maybe the economy and desire to spend less money this year will help people to focus on what is really important about Christmas.

Health Care Bill Status

The current health care bill has passed though the House of Representatives, but is now being debated in the Senate. Right now Republicans are stalling the bill as they argue with Democrats over topics such as the coverage of abortion, and the government selling health insurance in competition with the private market. The bill needs sixty votes to pass through the one hundred member senate. Republicans are still united against the the Democratic bill which proposes that the government sell health care, and which the Republicans believe would cost the government too much money. Meanwhile, the Democratic leaders are not happy with any of the proposals made to by the Republicans to try and fix this problem. Despite the continued divide however, lawmakers and White House officials seemed optimistic after having meetings all day Saturday, and believe they are on the right track with the legislative process. I honestly am not sure where the bill is headed. It sounds like the Democrats are not going to budge on having government run health care, so I think that they will come to some compromise with the Republicans, but not one that will completely give up government run health care.

Political Cartoon #2- Obama Vs. Tiger Woods

1. This political cartoon was drawn by Daniel Kurtzman.

2. This carton was published by About.com on December 5, 2009.

3. This cartoon deals with the issue of Tiger Wood's recent scandal, and the amount of press coverage it has received.

4. The message of this cartoon is that United States media focuses more on things that will entertain Americans, and it turns it back on important issues facing the Country, for example, Obama' s announcement to send more troops into Afghanistan.

5. I agree with this message very much, because the Tiger Woods scandal has gotten a ridiculous amount of press coverage. Yet another celebrity has made a mistake and gotten involved in a scandal, and Americans have been hearing more about that than information about the Health Care reform bill, and the president's plan to increase the number of troops in Afghanistan. It's pretty crazy to see how the media gives more attention to what will entertain its viewers/readers, and bring them a larger audience when there are such more important issues at hand.

http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/politicalcartoons/ig/Political-Cartoons/Obama-vs--Tiger-Woods.htm

Herndon's new Principle

Herndon's new principle needs to be able to understand the needs of our school, students, and staff. To me this means that the principle needs to e involved in the school's activities, as well as daily routine. I think the principle should be seen around the school and in the classrooms frequently, as well as at sports events, music concerts, drama productions etc. I also think it is important that principle is from inside our school, so that they know what rules work for us and which ones need to change. I think the new principle needs to be someone who is willing to invest their time and energy into our school, and who wants to make a lasting impression on all of the students they come in contact with. The last few years Herndon has had a few different principles which I feel has caused some issues, so I hope this next principle is not only effective in their position, but also that they are planning to stay with the school for a while.

Poltical Cartoon #1-Mammogram guidelines

1. Who drew the cartoon?
The cartoon was drawn by Jimmy Marguiles.

2. Where was it published?
This cartoon was published in "The Record of Hackensack", in New Jersey, on 11/20/2009.

3. What issue or event does the cartoon deal with?
In order to cut costs the Obama health care bill is cutting what are being called "unnecessary procedures", one of these procedures being routine mammograms for women under the age of 50. The bill suggests that mammograms preformed on women younger than the age of 50 often result in falsely positive tests.

4. What is the cartoon's message?
The message of the cartoon is that while mammograms preformed at an early age can result in a false positive result, women under 50 can only dream of having this problem ,as they will no longer have the privilege of being pro-active against Breast Cancer by getting routine examinations.

5. Do you agree/disagree with the cartoon's message? why?
I completely agree with the cartoon's message! For years now women have been strongly encouraged to get annual mammograms to test for Breast Cancer, in order to find the Cancer in it's earlier stages, and thus treat it more quickly and easily. I think it is crazy to take away the privilege of those women under 50 to get these annual procedures, which are for their own health and safety. After all, since when are the only diagnosed cases of Breast Cancer in women of 50 years and older?

http://www.politicalcartoons.com/cartoon/c8504f32-f192-49de-a43d-6afae724dce9.html

America needs jobs!

Although there have been reports of the stock market starting to recover, there are still several factors preventing the nations economy from making a recovery. If we want to get back on track, we need to create new jobs! So many Americans are without jobs, and as a result less and less Americans are spending money and putting back into circulation in the economy. Also, there are reports showing that inflation is rising as a result of loans given to banks among other factors. The housing market is also continuing to struggle which again is affecting people's jobs, as well as purchases as home sales may come to a complete halt and possibly be reversed. I think the most beneficial step to take would be to create more jobs so that Americans can start to put their money back into the economy again and get the nation back on track.

U.S. training bolsters Mexico's war on drugs

In 2006 Mexican President Felipe Calderon launched an anti-drug crackdown. Since July a total of 81 U.S law enforcement officials have been sent to Mexico to teach Mexican police cadets techniques in fighting the drug war. U.S. law enforcement officials are teaching Mexico's newly formed Federal Police skills such as interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and performing surveillance.

This program of teaching Mexico's police cadets is part of a $1.4 billion dollar U.S aid Package to Mexico. This program is also a new step for Mexico who has been known for not allowing U.S. agents on their soil. The program is working to train the cadets to be ready for U.S.-style oral trials, so that the Mexican government can change their legal system from the exchange of written documents to similar trials. "So far, 2,052 Federal Police have graduate from the training program, and an additional 1,051 are taking classes now, program administrator Rafael Lopez said."

I think this it is good that the U.S. is helping Mexico, and keeping good relations while doing so. I also think it is good that Mexico is willing to let U.S. agents on their soil. As for how this program will affect the U.S. I think it will have positive results in the long run. Right now, a lot of money is being invested into the program, while our nation is having its own financial crisis. If, however, this program limits drug production in Mexico, ultimately there will be less Mexican drugs flowing into the U.S.

It is nice to see countries working together to solve an international problem!

Hawley Chris. "U.S. training bolsters Mexico's war on drugs." USAToday.com. November 1 2009.
http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=826963805248250667&postID=2794600482145093636

Virginia's Governor Race

I believe Bob McDonnell will win the 2009 Virginia Governor race against Creigh Deeds. So far polls have shown that the American Republic has more support for McDonnell. I think this is because while Deeds seems to be very focused on issues like how to help the environment, McDonnell has been campaigning as a "jobs governor" who is looking to provide more jobs for Virginia residents in order to help the economy. Most people are much more concerned with finding jobs right now in a time of recession, and therefore are more likely to want to see McDonnell as governor. I think McDonnell's conservative viewpoint may also benefit him in the upcoming election, because many republicans are not very happy with the job President Obama has done so far, so they will be more likely to come out to the polls to voice their opinions next week. I also think that McDonnell has had a more successful campaign through his advertisements, because he has several commercials explaining where he stands on important issues while Deeds seems to have a lot of commercials attacking McDonnell instead of stating his views and ideas. The candidates only have a few more days to campaign, it will be interesting to see the results!

Current Event #5- "Obama: Swine flu a national emergency"

President Obama declared on Saturday that the swine flu outbreak has become a national emergency, and he has given his health chief, Kathleen Sebelius the power to let hospitals move emergency rooms off site to speed treatment and protect non-infected patients. In his announcement, President Obama said that rates of illness due to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic are continuing to rise, and may result in overburdening health care resources in some localities.

More than 1,000 people in the United States, including almost 100 children, have died from swine flu, and 46 states have widespread flu activity. So far however the vaccine for swine flu cannot be produced fast enough to obtain the needed number of doses to send out to health care providers. Many hospitals and doctors offices have been overwhelmed by the large number of H1N1 cases. Under the declaration signed by President Obama, hospitals are able to open drive through and drive up tents to test and treat swine flu patients. Hospitals are also able to modify patient rules under the declaration, for example they can require less information to be given during a chaotic time so that the patients can have quicker access to treatment.

I think this declaration will be very helpful in addressing the growing number of cases of the H1N1 virus. I especially think the idea of creating separate drive by tents for the treatment of swine flu is a good idea, because it will not only allow for quicker more direct treatment, but it will also prevent the virus from being spread to other patients in hospitals who are already sick and thus have weaker immune systems. Another provision of the declaration that will be helpful, is that it allows hospitals to set up these drive by tents without loosing the opportunity to be reimbursed for them.

It looks as though President Obama's declaration will provide the flexibility hospitals and health care providers need to effectively address the growing number of H1n1 cases, and will promote preventative measures.

"Obama: Swine flu a national emergency." usatoday.com. 25 Oct. 2009 <http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-10-24-Obama-swine-flu_N.htm>

The Biggest Issue Facing Virginia

I think that the biggest problem facing the state of Virginia is transportation. Especially in Northern Virginia, traffic is very heavy, and there are too many cars for the roads we have. Virginia needs to either improve Mass Transit in order to lessen the number of cars on the roads, or widen the roads we already have, and create more roads, so that more cars can fit on the roads without creating heavy traffic. In addition to the need for more spacious roads, Virginia's roads need repair because they are in such poor condition. Both candidates for Virginia's govern have been addressing this issue frequently in their campaigns, so hopefully we will have a solution underway shortly after the elections.

Current Event #4- "Staggering need, striking neglect"

D.C. has the highest number of HIV/AIDS cases in the United States. A recent investigation has revealed that from 2004 2008 over $25 million was give to nonprofit organizations who were marked by questionable spending, a lack of clients, or lapses in record keeping or care.

From 2004 to 2008 one dollar for every three of the grants given to HIV/AIDS organiztions was given to a group with a deficeincy. Such groups included organizations that were headed by former drug addicts and theifs, and who have no actual records of starting an organization. Others included groups that submitted employee resumes and consutig contracts with false information, like fake adresses and credentials. Four of the most troubled groups were funded during the tenure of former HIV/AIDS Administration housing chief, Debra Rowe. The executive of one of the groups who had been awarded $4.5 million, hired Rowe's son, and also provided work for Rowe's uncle and father. '"Everbody knew if you need anything down at the AIDS agency, call Debra" said Ron Stewart, a local AIDS case manager. "There was all this money cming into the city, and she was on the ground floor."' Rowe was removed from her position, however the city has still done little to hold the problem groups accountable, or find where the money went. Shannon L. Hader, the new HIV/AIDS Administration director has worked to improve oversight of tracking of how awarded money is spent.

The waste and abuse of the awarded money hurts those who need care, because it takes money away from legitimate agencies who could treat the sick. It is a shame that so much money has been wasted when it could have been used to treat many people, and prevent several deaths in D.C. The fact that the groups who abuse thier grants were not held accountable, and that the lost money is not being lookoed for is very disappointing. Trouble groups who got away with stealing the money may contiue to commit fraud and thus take away from agencies who could be providing care for those suffering from HIV/AIDS.

In the last year. new HIV/AIDS Administratio director Shannon L. Hader has improved the tracking of awarded grants, and will hopefully continue to crate a more stable and reliable chain of non-profit organization in D.C. who provide care for HIV/AIDS victims.

Cenziper, Debbie. "Staggering need, Striking neglect." Washintonpost.com. 18 October 2009

President Obama report card

I would give President Obama a C+ for his work with Health Care reforms, because his idea is to make health care mandatory, so that everyone in America has it. This helps those who cannot afford health care plans it hurts those who can afford to get plans that have the best coverage. I would grade President Obama's efforts to improve the economic downturn as a D because his stimulus plans have not been effective, for example "Cash for Clunkers" (which resulted in Americans giving money to other nations by buying foreign cars), and because he said he would create jobs for Americans, but the number of jobs is actually declining. As far as the war on terror is concerned, I would give President Obama a B because so far he is only following the plan that was set up before he entered his presidency, but he has not formed his own plan of action.

Current Event #3-Obama Accepts Nobel as 'Call to Action'

This past Friday, President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. Obama is the third sitting U.S. president to win the peace prize, In 1906 President Theodore Roosevelt won the prize, and in 1919 President Woodrow Wilson won the prize for his role in founding the League of Nations.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee says that the Nobel Peace Prize was developed in part to encourage ongoing peace projects. President Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to build support for his promises to "reduce nuclear arms, ease tensions with the Muslim world and stress diplomacy and cooperation rather than unilateralism". Many people around the world have argued that it seems too early to be giving President Obama this award, but members of the committee have described the award as an "early vote of confidence" in Obama. The Nobel Committee has also been faced with accusations that giving Obama the award was a way for the committee (who has a majority of left-sided members) to show that they are happy to see the end of the Bush administration.

I personally would have to agree with the question most Americans are asking, "What has President Obama actually accomplished?" So far in his administration, Obama has made a lot of good promises, but has not yet followed through with any of them. President Obama assured Americans during his campaign that he would remove troops from Iraq, however he has been slow to do so, and is now sending more troops into Afghanistan.

Hopefully, despite claims that the prize was awarded to President Obama too early in his administration, or as a means for showing dissatisfaction in the Bush administration the prize will still encourage Obama to follow through on his plans that will bring peace.

Oslo, "Obama Accepts Nobel as 'Call to Action,'" news.aol.com, October 9, 2009 <http://news.aol.com/article/president-barack-obama-wins-nobel-peace/710891>

A Political Issue That Interests Me

I have a personal interest in the debate over health care reform. I realize most people are especially concerned with this issue as it is one of the largest debates facing our nation right now, but I take a personal interest in it because I plan to go into the medical field, so the outcome will someday very much affect my profession. I feel strongly against the idea that everyone should have the same health care policy regulated by the government. While it would be awesome if everyone in the U.S. could have access to, and could afford a health care plan, it just does not seem right that the people who work hard to afford to have their families covered by a good plan should have to help pay for someone who may not work as hard. Also I think it is important for people to be able to choose a health care plan that will best fit the specific needs of their family.

Current Event #2- Olympics loss forces Chicago to rethink city plans

Recently several cities had been campaigning to host the 2016 Summer Olympics. Richard Daley (mayor of Chicago), and President Barack Obama had been campaigning for some time for the Olympics to be held in Chicago, by promising that they would create jobs through games-related jobs, construction, tourism and transportation. This past week however mayor Daley, President Obama and the residents of Chicago were all disappointed when it was announced that the 2016 summer Olympics would be held in Rio de Janeiro.

Like many other states in the U.S. Chicago is experiencing financial difficulty. Olympic organizers were anticipating that hosting the 2016 games would create a $13.7 billion citywide economic impact. "The loss marked a stunning defeat for Mayor Richard M. Daley, who spent three years working to sell Chicago residents on the games, often highlighting job creation and a financial influx that would help the city emerge from a recessional slump." Mayor Daley will be running for his seventh term in 2011, making him Chicago's longest serving mayor, but now the question is will this loss prevent him from being re-elected? " 'I don't think he will be looked at like a loser,' said Angela Byrd, 40, a teacher's assistant from Chicago." While some Chicago residents feel similarly to Ms. Byrd, Daley's approval rating has sunk to 35% as shown in a recent poll by the Chicago Tribune/WGN.

Loosing the campaign will definitely prevent the city of Chicago from bringing in the prospective revenue from the Olympic Games that they very much needed. However, if Mayor Daley wants to help Chicago out of their financial downturn, and improve his approval ratings, he needs to quickly propose new ideas and projects that will bring revenue and jobs into the city. By quickly getting started on these new projects, Daley will be able to shift the focus of Chicago residents from what could have been to what will now help them to better the city's economy.

While loosing the campaign for the 2016 Summer Olympic games was disappointing for Chicago, if Mayor Richard Daley focuses more on new projects and less on their loss, he can help improve Chicago's economy, and increase his chances at re-election.

"Olympics loss forces Chicago to rethink city plans," USAToday.com, October 4, 2009 <http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-10-03-chicago-whats-next_N.htm>

Current Event #1- Obama resumes health care push, vows to 'get it done this year'

Health care reform has been at the top of President Obama's agenda since his candidacy. Obama supports a policy under which every American has health care coverage. The Republican and Democratic parties strongly disagree on how best to expand health insurance coverage for Americans. They also disagree on what is driving up the cost of health care in America.

On Saturday night, President Obama spoke about the importance to push forward on the health care reforms at the Congressional Black Caucus dinner. Obama told his audience that he had been asked about the health care debate at the G-20 Summit this past week, " 'Barack, explain to me this health care debate. We don't understand it. You're trying to make sure everybody has health care and they're putting a Hitler mustache on you. That doesn't make sense to me, explain that to me,' Obama said, referring to the antagonistic rhetoric and imagery disseminated about the president by opponents of health care reform". Obama claims that The United States has needed health care reform since the days of Teddy Roosevelt, but he is confident that he can get legislation on the topic passed by the end of this year. Obama concluded his speech by addressing the recovering economy, and his views on education.

It seems to me that President Obama's speech to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, was simply a pep rally for his administration's agenda. The President's popularity is dwindling, and so to regain the confidence of the people, Obama reminded them of the improving economy taking place under his leadership. I found it very interesting that Obama said he did not know why Americans are unhappy with his health care initiative, while in reality he is just unwilling to change his plan.

While I support Obama's efforts to have legislation on health care reforms passed soon, I think it is ambitious to expect a quality plan by the end of this year.

"Obama resumes health care push, vows to 'get it done this year,'" CNNpolitics.com, September 27, 2009 <http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/09/26/obama.health/index.html?iref=newssearch>

Political Party

I find that I am most closely aligned with the Republican party and their more conservative ideals. I believe that Americans who work hard should reap the benefits of their efforts, and that people should be able to coose thier own helathcare plans to meet thier specific medical needs. Another Republican ideal I strongly associate with is the Pro-Life movement. My political leanings have been strongly influenced by my religious and moral values.