Recent overnight visits of gay and lesbian partners to prison inmates have been allowed by the state of California. It is now one of the six states that allows overnight family visits and the only known state for permission of same sex conjugal visits. Terry Thornton, a spokeswoman for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, says that even though it is a touchy subject due to the danger of the situation in prison, the law is not negotiable. This law, signed by former Gov. Davis in 2005, hoped to prevent discrimination of eligibility for a same sex couple. Though it has taken awhile, the Corrections Department examined policies last year. The new regulations only permit those partners who have been established before one had went to prison. The policy will take effect later this year. Inmates like Vernon Foeller are happy to finally spend this one-on-one time with his or her partner. "It wasn't about the sex," says Foeller. Randy Thomasson, president of the Campaign for Children and Families, objects to any conjugal visits whatsoever. He says these visits only encourage the smuggling of contraband, and sexual disease transmissions can be spread very easily during these visits despite sexual orientation.
While it is true that these visits have the potential for any type of disease transmission or negative intention, I disagree with the idea that Randy Thomasson presents of no sort of visit whatsoever. Since the 1970s, immediate family have been able to visit inmates. I do not think it right to condem those who have not committed serious sex or violent crimes that deserve life term. These persons have already been sentenced and should not be further punished without due process of law. To do so would be cruel and unusual, and I believe that to finally recognize these same sex partners to be the couple that they are is an amazing thing that has taken place in this ever growing tolerant society.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Laws Require Flags to Be Born in USA
ROSEMOUNT, Minn. — What's red, white and blue _ and made in China? A move is on in state legislatures to ensure that the flags folks will be flying and buying this Independence Day were made on this fruited plain.
Minnesota has passed the strongest measure, a new law that goes into effect at year's end requiring every Old Glory sold in state stores to be domestically produced. Violations are a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and 90 days in jail.
In Arizona, schools and public colleges were required starting July 1 to outfit every classroom from junior high up with a made-in-the-USA flag. Tennessee requires all U.S. flags bought via state contract to be made here, and similar bills are moving forward in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
The Fourth of July is considered peak season for flag sales with millions of them lining parade routes and flying above back yard barbecues.
Most of the major domestic flag makers are privately held companies that don't release their sales figures, so it's difficult to gauge the inroads being made by foreign manufacturers.
The U.S. Census bureau estimates that $5.3 million worth of U.S. flags were imported from other countries in 2006, mostly from China. That figure has been steady over the past few years. The big exception was in 2001 when $51.7 million in U.S. flags were brought into the country, most on the heels of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
To help consumers identify the origin of their flags, the association created a certification program two years ago that bestows a seal-of-approval logo to flags made with domestic fibers and labor.
When the bill was debated this spring, some legislators argued it sent the wrong message to close Minnesota's borders to foreign-produced flags.
"That flag should be made throughout the world because it is our message to the world that there is hope for freedom and justice," Republican Rep. Dan Severson said at the time.
The law's sponsor, Democratic Rep. Tom Rukavina, said the flag deserves extra protection. To celebrate his legislative victory, he plans to hand out 1,000 miniature flags at Fourth of July parades in his district.
"The biggest honor that you can give the flag is that it be made by American workers in the United States of America," he said. "Nothing is more embarrassing to me than a plastic flag made in China. This replica of freedom we so respect should be made in this country."
The new law doesn't spell out a penalty for violators. In Minnesota, the default punishment for prohibited acts is a misdemeanor offense, carrying up to a $1,000 fine and 90 days in jail.
I think this is a great law because when you make a U.S. flag, it's to represent the U.S. If you had the U.S. flag made somewhere else, you aren't supporting the U.S., but another country. THis became an issue as fourth of july just passed
Minnesota has passed the strongest measure, a new law that goes into effect at year's end requiring every Old Glory sold in state stores to be domestically produced. Violations are a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and 90 days in jail.
In Arizona, schools and public colleges were required starting July 1 to outfit every classroom from junior high up with a made-in-the-USA flag. Tennessee requires all U.S. flags bought via state contract to be made here, and similar bills are moving forward in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
The Fourth of July is considered peak season for flag sales with millions of them lining parade routes and flying above back yard barbecues.
Most of the major domestic flag makers are privately held companies that don't release their sales figures, so it's difficult to gauge the inroads being made by foreign manufacturers.
The U.S. Census bureau estimates that $5.3 million worth of U.S. flags were imported from other countries in 2006, mostly from China. That figure has been steady over the past few years. The big exception was in 2001 when $51.7 million in U.S. flags were brought into the country, most on the heels of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
To help consumers identify the origin of their flags, the association created a certification program two years ago that bestows a seal-of-approval logo to flags made with domestic fibers and labor.
When the bill was debated this spring, some legislators argued it sent the wrong message to close Minnesota's borders to foreign-produced flags.
"That flag should be made throughout the world because it is our message to the world that there is hope for freedom and justice," Republican Rep. Dan Severson said at the time.
The law's sponsor, Democratic Rep. Tom Rukavina, said the flag deserves extra protection. To celebrate his legislative victory, he plans to hand out 1,000 miniature flags at Fourth of July parades in his district.
"The biggest honor that you can give the flag is that it be made by American workers in the United States of America," he said. "Nothing is more embarrassing to me than a plastic flag made in China. This replica of freedom we so respect should be made in this country."
The new law doesn't spell out a penalty for violators. In Minnesota, the default punishment for prohibited acts is a misdemeanor offense, carrying up to a $1,000 fine and 90 days in jail.
I think this is a great law because when you make a U.S. flag, it's to represent the U.S. If you had the U.S. flag made somewhere else, you aren't supporting the U.S., but another country. THis became an issue as fourth of july just passed
Drug Safety
On June 15th, 2007 both the House and the Senate are conflicted over a bill that has to be renewed for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This bill would help drug companies from fending off lawsuits at the state level. The only problem is that both the House and the Senate have different opinsions on the matter. In this bill there something called a "pre-emption" language that would ensure the new, beefed up drug-safety laws will not pre-empt civil lawsuits against drug companies.
Iraq
The NYT fronts a look at the mental-health problems that private contractors who worked in Iraq are facing, which are very similar to those plaguing U.S. servicemembers. It's often more difficult for private contractors to get proper treatment because they have to find their own medical care. There have been 205 claims filed for treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder; everyone suspects there are many more cases, but there's no systematic check so it's likely that many who have problems might not know it or could be reluctant to admit it. A few weeks ago, the LAT looked into the issue and found that insurance often denied requests for treatment when it involved a psychological disorder. Also, although the LAT revealed new numbers yesterday and reported that there are at least 180,000 private contractors in Iraq, the NYT today says there are "up to 126,000." Does the NYT not believe the LAT's number?
http://www.slate.com/id/2169845/fr/nl/
http://www.slate.com/id/2169845/fr/nl/
Bill would cut junk food in schools
The House and Senate lawmakers introduced a bill to reduce junk food in schools by requiring that any food and drinks sold on campuses, including in vending machines, meet the same federal nutritional standards as food served in the cafeteria. In response to the growing obesity epidemic among children, the bill also requires the Agricultural Department to rewrite the nutritutional guildlines so that schools would limit the amount of sugar, fat, sodium, and portion sizes. Statistics show that 99% of high schools, 98% of middle schools, and83% of elementary have vending machines and school stores that sell mostly unhealthy snacks and drinks. The bill has bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate.
Addressing the growing epidemic problem in the United States would benefit many unhealthy Americans. By limiting the unhealthy snacks and drinks that schools offer to students would increase the children's chances of achieving healthy stability. Support from both the House and the Senate is a good sign that the bill should become a law.
Addressing the growing epidemic problem in the United States would benefit many unhealthy Americans. By limiting the unhealthy snacks and drinks that schools offer to students would increase the children's chances of achieving healthy stability. Support from both the House and the Senate is a good sign that the bill should become a law.
Gov. OKs Florida's Biggest Tax Cut Ever
Florida's mayor decided to pass a law that would cut taxes down. Some people are mad about this but the average home owner will save about $200 in taxes. Yearly property tax bills have risen by thousands of dollars for homeowners in areas where real estate values have skyrocketed in recent years, the average cut for a primary homeowner under the new law is estimated to be only about 7 percent, in the first year. Overall, the law is expected to slash up to $15.6 billion in local property taxes during its first five years. Some house owners are upset because the tax law will not be enough the roughly estimate that it will only be $14 and believe that that is unnoticeable.
In my mind I think that this is a worthless law that was passed because there is very little difference every month but at the same time all of the home owners need a break so it is valuable because it saves us at least some money
In my mind I think that this is a worthless law that was passed because there is very little difference every month but at the same time all of the home owners need a break so it is valuable because it saves us at least some money
Earth to Shoppers!
"The world uses a trillion plastic bags a year. Unfortunately most end up in the trash or in the ocean or in trees … and they take forever to disappear."-IKEA
This article is about how big grocery shopping places are having customers pay for their shopping bags instead of getting free plastic bags like before. People have stated that the plastic bags that we get are being littered and ending up in places like the ocean, trash, streets, trees, and they take more than a couple years to disintegrate. So it states in the article, "a state law that went into effec Sunday requires large grocery stores and pharmacies to recyle plastic bags returned by customers and to offer reusable bags for purchase." Stores like Trader Joe's sell bags made of canvas for $2.99, while IKEA sells oversized tote bags for 59 cents and lastly, the luxurious store Hermes sells theres for $960 for a shopping bag made of silk.
I really like this idea. It's saving money instead of speding money making billions of plastic bags that just end up no where. In addition to saving money, we're saving our enviroment and recycling. It's reasonable for cases such as IKEA and Trader Joe's, but in Hermes case, I think it's ridiculous. Paying $960 dollars is really expensive, but that might just be me. Also, I don't know what the store exactly sells, but wow, it's a really high price. I chose this topic because I think the enviroment is something that's really important to me and our society. Things like this help us be more aware of our enviroment.
This article is about how big grocery shopping places are having customers pay for their shopping bags instead of getting free plastic bags like before. People have stated that the plastic bags that we get are being littered and ending up in places like the ocean, trash, streets, trees, and they take more than a couple years to disintegrate. So it states in the article, "a state law that went into effec Sunday requires large grocery stores and pharmacies to recyle plastic bags returned by customers and to offer reusable bags for purchase." Stores like Trader Joe's sell bags made of canvas for $2.99, while IKEA sells oversized tote bags for 59 cents and lastly, the luxurious store Hermes sells theres for $960 for a shopping bag made of silk.
I really like this idea. It's saving money instead of speding money making billions of plastic bags that just end up no where. In addition to saving money, we're saving our enviroment and recycling. It's reasonable for cases such as IKEA and Trader Joe's, but in Hermes case, I think it's ridiculous. Paying $960 dollars is really expensive, but that might just be me. Also, I don't know what the store exactly sells, but wow, it's a really high price. I chose this topic because I think the enviroment is something that's really important to me and our society. Things like this help us be more aware of our enviroment.
Tourism
The Senate Commerce Committee has approved a bill to establish a nonprofit public-private corporation to promote the United States as a tourist destination and clear up misconceptions about U.S. travel policies. After September 11th US tourism took a sharp dive while the rest of the major countries continued to have increasing tourism rate. Experts noted that US is the only global destination without an ongoing program to promote itself. Industry experts also stressed that increased advertising about the wonders the US must be accompanied by changes in the visa and entry systems because their complexity keep people away. Getting through the customs barriers is a problem the bill is also trying to remedy. This steps could increase overseas travel to this country by nearly 1.6 million visitors a year, and yield $8 billion in new visitor spending.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070705/ap_on_go_co/promoting_tourism
I think this bill would be a fairly beneficial addition. It's not only about the money; the clauses under this bill would lead to bettering people's view of the US. However, I'm sure many people would be worried over the threat of terrorism and how much easier it might be for those kinds of people to get into the US if the visa system is made simpler.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070705/ap_on_go_co/promoting_tourism
I think this bill would be a fairly beneficial addition. It's not only about the money; the clauses under this bill would lead to bettering people's view of the US. However, I'm sure many people would be worried over the threat of terrorism and how much easier it might be for those kinds of people to get into the US if the visa system is made simpler.
Labeling Laws
Many of our products such as toys and toiletries are not made in the United States and this poses a few fearful thoughts. Who knows what they put into our products and in what conditions do they work to make these products. We are all too familiar with the little stickers that state that the product was made in China, but are we safe with such products. The Chinese government had done some "house cleaning" and had found 23,00 safety violations and closed 180 food plants. In response to these actions congress is taking another look on our labeling laws. Yet many companies are complaining that this would be bad for business claiming that the products coming from China are completely safe and with onerous labels would just be bad for business that they would just scare the consumer.
Finally congress is taken action and looking into what we the people are innocently receiving from these companies. There have already been enforcements on tobacco labels and there should be on everything else as well. If U.S. companies want cheap labor and ingredients they must deal with quality control issues. This goes for China as well. If they want to sell their product here they must abide by our standards.
ARTICLE
Finally congress is taken action and looking into what we the people are innocently receiving from these companies. There have already been enforcements on tobacco labels and there should be on everything else as well. If U.S. companies want cheap labor and ingredients they must deal with quality control issues. This goes for China as well. If they want to sell their product here they must abide by our standards.
ARTICLE
Driver Distraction Laws
Many states are passing laws that forbid drivers using their cell phones while driving, but some states actually are trying to pass driver distraction laws. Many states are trying to ban video games, computers, and fax machines in the cars. These laws would limit the use of many car electronics. Many of these bills have a fines ranging from $50-$600.
I think these bills are great. I think car electronics do distract drivers especially cell phones, but the bills might take it too far.
I think these bills are great. I think car electronics do distract drivers especially cell phones, but the bills might take it too far.
Congress votes to increase minimum wage
"America’s lowest-paid workers won a $2.10 raise Thursday, with Congress approving the first increase in the federal minimum wage in almost a decade." this is not good because if you raise the wage then you lower the demand for workers but their are more people to work. This means that a company will loss workers because they can not pay them then they do not have the man power to produce goods and then they go under. MSNBC said that "President Bush was expected to sign the bill quickly, and workers who now make $5.15 an hour will see their paychecks go up by 70 cents per hour before the end of the summer. Another 70 cents will be added next year, and by summer 2009, all minimum-wage jobs will pay no less than $7.25 an hour."
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18847929/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18847929/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18847929/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18847929/
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18847929/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18847929/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18847929/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18847929/
California Lemon Law
http://www.lemonlawhelp.net/california_lemon_law__-_used_c.html
The Governator has recently signed into e=ffect a law that says used cars purchased in California can have a two day cooling of period. THis means that if you buy a car and want to reurn it you have two days to do that.I dont think this is a good idea because the car companies should have to excepty reurns on things that are so hard to sell. You should just think about what your doing before you buy a car your not sure about.
The Governator has recently signed into e=ffect a law that says used cars purchased in California can have a two day cooling of period. THis means that if you buy a car and want to reurn it you have two days to do that.I dont think this is a good idea because the car companies should have to excepty reurns on things that are so hard to sell. You should just think about what your doing before you buy a car your not sure about.
A Law for Bad Humans
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-morrison5jul05,1,3815296.column?ctrack=1&cset=true
Patt Morrison talks about her issues with humans. She believes that a human can mess their own life up but they should not treat their pets in this way. In California there are thousands of homeless and sick dogs running a muck on the streets due to careless owners and people who just don't care about their community. She tells us about the bill that is being proposed by Lloyd Levine that requires California dogs and cats that are 6 months or older to be spayed or neutered. The fine for a unfixed animal is $500 that will be returned after it has been fixed. Many fine the bill ridiculous because of breeders and other individuals that don't harm the community. The bill, however is more focuses on individuals who take part in over breeding and underground animal markets. The main point Morrison tells us is that she can't bear to see another dog born without legs due to over breeding a lack of medical care.
I feel this bill has a good idea and a understandable origin. Truthfully, there are so many dogs and cats running the streets in California that carry diseases and other harmful things. Dogs and cats should be cared for by their owners and not just dumped on the streets or in a kennel. The bill has the right purpose but it can be rewritten so that not all dogs and cats have to be neutered or spayed. There should be more of a focus on the illegal breeding of pets that somehow get smuggled in with the pet trade. The sale of these animals only causes more problems for California. I chose this article because i have a dog and he is neutered. It is healthy to neuter them as I was told by my veterinarian, but i understand that some owners don't feel that is necessary even if they don't breed. I hope this issue can get resolved soon, so that there are less sick and homeless animals.
Patt Morrison talks about her issues with humans. She believes that a human can mess their own life up but they should not treat their pets in this way. In California there are thousands of homeless and sick dogs running a muck on the streets due to careless owners and people who just don't care about their community. She tells us about the bill that is being proposed by Lloyd Levine that requires California dogs and cats that are 6 months or older to be spayed or neutered. The fine for a unfixed animal is $500 that will be returned after it has been fixed. Many fine the bill ridiculous because of breeders and other individuals that don't harm the community. The bill, however is more focuses on individuals who take part in over breeding and underground animal markets. The main point Morrison tells us is that she can't bear to see another dog born without legs due to over breeding a lack of medical care.
I feel this bill has a good idea and a understandable origin. Truthfully, there are so many dogs and cats running the streets in California that carry diseases and other harmful things. Dogs and cats should be cared for by their owners and not just dumped on the streets or in a kennel. The bill has the right purpose but it can be rewritten so that not all dogs and cats have to be neutered or spayed. There should be more of a focus on the illegal breeding of pets that somehow get smuggled in with the pet trade. The sale of these animals only causes more problems for California. I chose this article because i have a dog and he is neutered. It is healthy to neuter them as I was told by my veterinarian, but i understand that some owners don't feel that is necessary even if they don't breed. I hope this issue can get resolved soon, so that there are less sick and homeless animals.
New Laws to Protect Public Breast Feeding
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18999858/site/newsweek/page/2/
As many new studies emerge showing the benefits of breast feeding to both mother and child, the public still feels uncomfortable when they see a mother breast feeding her baby in a public place. "Today 38 states give women the explicit right to nurse in public, and 23 states exempt it from public-indecency laws." An additional 12 states allow women to use a breast pump at work to express milk. The opposers of the law state that in this country, a woman's breast is seen as a sexual object, and thus should not be viewed in public.
I support these laws. A woman's right to feed her baby, and to save $1,200 a year in formula costs, should not be hindered. A woman's baby should be fed breast milk for its own health benefits, and if that means being fed in public, so be it.
As many new studies emerge showing the benefits of breast feeding to both mother and child, the public still feels uncomfortable when they see a mother breast feeding her baby in a public place. "Today 38 states give women the explicit right to nurse in public, and 23 states exempt it from public-indecency laws." An additional 12 states allow women to use a breast pump at work to express milk. The opposers of the law state that in this country, a woman's breast is seen as a sexual object, and thus should not be viewed in public.
I support these laws. A woman's right to feed her baby, and to save $1,200 a year in formula costs, should not be hindered. A woman's baby should be fed breast milk for its own health benefits, and if that means being fed in public, so be it.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Law Passed on E-Annoyance
A law was passed by President Bush that makes annoying people on the internet on wedsite or by email without disclosing your identity. This was actually slpped into another into an act called the Violence Againist Women and Dept. Justice Reauthorizatin Act. It was slipped in by Sen. Arlen Spector of Penn.'s sponsers and went through the Dept. of Justice. In Sept. a version of the same bill was passed with radically diffrent wording.
I chose this article because it shows how the government didn't really pay attention to what they were passing even though it was in another act. And also how it went through a department that it most likely didn't have to.
I chose this article because it shows how the government didn't really pay attention to what they were passing even though it was in another act. And also how it went through a department that it most likely didn't have to.
Pro Death?
In this article, there are a bunch of rhetorical questions asking whether or not laws against suicide should be made void as "paternalistic", if assisted suicide should no longer be known as a crime, but a free "right to die", if assisted suicide should no longer be held as a form of homicide, but an assist to "medical treatment", and the list goes on. This article also states that "according to Brown University professor, Jacob M. Appel, the answer to all three of these questions is an unequivocal yes."
In my opinion, I don't believe that attempted suicide and assisted suicide should no longer be held as a crime. I think that yes, people do have their own right on whether or not they want to die, but that doesn't necessarily make it right to do so. I especially stress this upon assisting a suicide because that is almost like helping in murdering someone; the only difference is that you're helping someone who wants to die, die. I don't think it's right at all, but that also could be just because of my own morals.
In my opinion, I don't believe that attempted suicide and assisted suicide should no longer be held as a crime. I think that yes, people do have their own right on whether or not they want to die, but that doesn't necessarily make it right to do so. I especially stress this upon assisting a suicide because that is almost like helping in murdering someone; the only difference is that you're helping someone who wants to die, die. I don't think it's right at all, but that also could be just because of my own morals.
Education Laws Need Overhaul
In 2001, the No Child Left Behind Law was passed, requiring public school students to be tested annually in reading and math in third through eighth grade and once in high school. However, the criticism of the law is that it forces teachers to spend too much time on test preparation instead of other forms of instruction. Also some teachers shape their lesson plans to ensure their students does well on the tests at the expense of other subjects. Many teachers wore buttons or stickers that read, “A child is more than a test score.” Clinton said that, “The test is becoming the curriculum when it should be the other way around.”
I agree, there is too much emphasis on standardized testing. I understand that education is important, but standardized testing test performance rather than focus on deeper understanding of the material. Also this test is a disadvantage to students where English is not their first language and minorities and low income families. I guess standardized testing can be culturally biased.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/07/03/dems.nea.ap/index.html
I agree, there is too much emphasis on standardized testing. I understand that education is important, but standardized testing test performance rather than focus on deeper understanding of the material. Also this test is a disadvantage to students where English is not their first language and minorities and low income families. I guess standardized testing can be culturally biased.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/07/03/dems.nea.ap/index.html
regulating california air pollution
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger says he will be the champion of clean air in California. He says he promotes environmental health. His actions however creates questions as to his real intentions. Lawmakers are busy trying to make laws to regulate the pollution in California. Lawmakers want dirty construction equipment out and replaced. The Governor's administration, working in the shadow, try to stop and delay such actions. The Governor even says the laws should be more "business friendly." Lawmakers still want the regulations on the equipment and drafted the proposal despite Governor and industry complaints.
If the proposal ever becomes law, it would be a big deal since it effects construction industry, business, and environment. Construction industries might end up broke like they say, which will effect business, or they're just exaggerating and make it through somehow. It will also be a step towards cleaner air in California, which is very important considering all the pollutants that exist in the 21st century.
here's the article.
If the proposal ever becomes law, it would be a big deal since it effects construction industry, business, and environment. Construction industries might end up broke like they say, which will effect business, or they're just exaggerating and make it through somehow. It will also be a step towards cleaner air in California, which is very important considering all the pollutants that exist in the 21st century.
here's the article.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
House Bill Would Sanction Companies Providing Fuel to Iran
Representatives Mark S. Kirk and Robert E. Andrews will be presenting a bill which causes any company that provides Iran with gasoline or helps it import gasoline after the end of the year could lose its access to American customers through sanctions. This is an effort to put pressure on the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to construct more oil refineries.
I think this is a important bill, because it will force Iran to lessen its dependence on foregin oil will helping its economy. Although we shouldn't have to force a bill for them to realize this, because the people in the country are already rioting of the rising oil prices. All in all, I think this is the right approach but it shouldn't be forced upon the people of Iran, just merely suggested.
I think this is a important bill, because it will force Iran to lessen its dependence on foregin oil will helping its economy. Although we shouldn't have to force a bill for them to realize this, because the people in the country are already rioting of the rising oil prices. All in all, I think this is the right approach but it shouldn't be forced upon the people of Iran, just merely suggested.
New Proposed Bill Regarding Car Safety For Children
Unfortunately, the number of children’s deaths involving cars is on the increase. The U.S. government and child car safety supporter are urging Congress to pass more laws to ensure that children are safe when in or around all vehicles. The new bill will help to decrease the number of children’s injuries and deaths in non-traffic accidents only. These incidents include children being run over by a vehicle, strangulation from power windows, or accidental deaths caused by a vehicle knocked into motion. Improvements to power windows to prevent possible strangulation, new technology involving detecting views for drivers, and other preventive steps to insure that these accidents or deaths do not occur. This bill is a start of many steps to address all causes of auto-related deaths and injuries among children to prevent them from ever happening to them.
Children should not have to die because of car accidents whether in the car or around one. These incidents are preventable if Congress acts upon this issue by passing a bill. I feel that more should be done to prevent any more injuries and deaths from car-related accidents, especially when they involve children. Safety for children must be a priority because they are also passengers in a car. By passing this bill, it is a beginning to reduce the fatalities that being in a car or around cars could possibly occur with children. Hopefully in the near future, children casualties will be at a bare minimum and they will be a lot safer.
Bill passed to increase auto mileage
Senate voted to pass an energy bill that would force automakers to increase the fuel mileage by “40% to 35 miles per gallon for cars, SUV’s, and pickup trucks by the year 2020.” They also placed new laws against energy price gouging and to increase the ethanol production. Senate passed the bill by a vote of 65-27, with the House to vote on this measure next week. Currently, the average is 22.7 miles per gallon for cars and this is the first time Congress has forced a new car efficiency law since 1975. By this law, more fuel-efficiency cars will be on the road and saving 2.5 million barrels of oil a day by the year 2025. This also promotes automakers to seek other fuel energy sources such as electricity and ethanol to power cars and trucks, which will also help reduce our dependence on oil.
I think that this bill should be passed a long time ago to help the environment. There are too many cars on the road now and it's polluting our air and affecting our ozone layer. More should be done now to protect future generations and allow them to breathe cleaner air. For example I would like to see more electric run cars on the road so that we can get more miles per gallon when we drive, and to help the environment by using other fuel sources other than oil. By doing this now we can save our environment before it's too late.
I think that this bill should be passed a long time ago to help the environment. There are too many cars on the road now and it's polluting our air and affecting our ozone layer. More should be done now to protect future generations and allow them to breathe cleaner air. For example I would like to see more electric run cars on the road so that we can get more miles per gallon when we drive, and to help the environment by using other fuel sources other than oil. By doing this now we can save our environment before it's too late.
Bush's move cheers conservative base
The president's attempt to gain more republican rally after the 2006 midtern elections: backing a bipartisan bill to completely change the immigration law ended when when the bill died in the Senate last week. The debate on immigration had already strained relationoships with conservatives, who were extremely against the bill believing that the bill wouldgive illegal immigrants amnesty. Many analysts say that Bush ahs little to lose and much to gain by siding with the minority view in this situation.
Governor signs tax cut into law
The governor of West Palm Beach Charlie Christ visites homeowners in three cities to sign a $16 billion reduction into law. Another vote is needed to decide whether the piece of the tax plan also becomes a bill. The vote in January will also cover a separate measure which allows residents a choice in their exemptions and assessment limits. People will be saving between $200 and $600 a year. Property taxes are very high and this could potetnialy help them to be lower.
In my opinion I believe that this tax law would be a good idea. Many homeowners will see annual cuts on an average of a little bit more then $100. I also think that this will help limit local government budgets.
In my opinion I believe that this tax law would be a good idea. Many homeowners will see annual cuts on an average of a little bit more then $100. I also think that this will help limit local government budgets.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Chertoff rebukes Congress over bill
Congress was scolded by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff yesterday, because they failed to pass a new border reinforcement bill. This bill involved a 4.4 billion dollar budget to fund border security. The money would go towards enforcement tools, and new border patrolling resources. The director was upset that congress did not pass the bill, since President Bush said that this money was needed for more important things, despite the fact that in a immigration debate the president stated that he would support the stength of our border.
We talked about immigration in class this morning, so I found this relevant to both topics. The borders seems to be a huge conflict with Americans, namely Californians. Some of you may feel that is bill was necessary while other may think it is unnecessary. I am not going to express my views on this issue simply for the fact that i do not want any negative comments from either side. For those of you who are against it, I would be instead to know how you feel about this event. And for those of you who do not have a problem with immigration, well I already know you are happy about it.
We talked about immigration in class this morning, so I found this relevant to both topics. The borders seems to be a huge conflict with Americans, namely Californians. Some of you may feel that is bill was necessary while other may think it is unnecessary. I am not going to express my views on this issue simply for the fact that i do not want any negative comments from either side. For those of you who are against it, I would be instead to know how you feel about this event. And for those of you who do not have a problem with immigration, well I already know you are happy about it.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Theme for this week: 7/2 - 7/6
Since we are talking about Congress in Unit 2 I would like your posts this week to focus on the creation of laws. Laws are constantly being created at many different levels: national, state, local, etc. Your articles should talk about laws that have been passed, are in the process of changing from a bill to a law, or are just being discussed as a possible bill.
However, the rules are changing just a little. From this point forward, you may not use an article that has been used by another student. You may not use an article that deals with the same issue/story as another student. I want to see a variety of ideas this week.
Also, because of the day off in the middle of the week, you need to have articles and comments done by 5pm on Thursday. You can take Wednesday off more or less.
Finally, please look again at my sample article to make sure that you are doing the blog correctly. You may lose points for not following directions.
See you in class.
Here's something fun to watch if you want:
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