http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2007/07/us-team-wins-vo.html
A team composed of researchers from two U.S. universities and a Canadian university won the $10,000-prize for best voting system at the VoComp contest held in Oregon this week. The winning team was composed of Aleks Essex and Jeremy Clark from the University of Ottawa, Stefan Popoveniuc from George Washington University, and Richard T. Carback III from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Although only four teams submitted systems to the first-time competition, more are expected to submit next year when the competition, sponsored by the National Science Foundation, returns. (Clarification: this year's competition was sponsored by NSF. The foundation hasn't yet committed to sponsoring another one next year, although Election Systems & Software -- the company awarding the $10,000 prize this year -- has committed to fronting the same prize at next year's competition.)
I very plausable option for future elections, though proabably not immediatly. It is also very interesting to think about the possible problems with a computer voting system. I highly reconment this one.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
The Vitter Effect
By now, Washington has grown accustomed to its sex scandals. In the capital, obsessed with Iraq and the coming presidential election, the news that Louisiana Republican Sen. David Vitter’s phone number had turned up in possession of a D.C. escort service created a relatively modest stir. The press dutifully pointed out Vitter’s hypocrisy; a devout Catholic who has been an outspoken moralist, he was a vocal crusader for President Clinton’s impeachment during the Monica Lewinsky scandal, accusing Clinton of draining “any sense of values left in our political culture.” Vitter swiftly copped to the transgression via an e-mail to the AP. After rumors of other dalliances began cropping up in the New Orleans papers (he denied them), Vitter grimly took to the microphone, his embattled wife by his side, and, in an all-too-familiar D.C. ritual, apologies for letting his wife, friends and supporters down, then told the world he was pressing on with the people’s business.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19852389/site/newsweek/
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Scandals in the White House has become so prominent. Vitter apologized for his sins, but should he really be released from guilt that easily? With a simple, alledgedly sincere apology, he can continue with his political career as if nothing was wrong and he holds no responsibility to the public as a political public figure. The belief of Classical Christianity is that people are frail and sinful, and make mistakes, but there is a saving grace as long as you admit your sins and repent. That seems a bit too easy to get away with their crimes.
Regardless of how Americans feel about sex scandals in the White House, as long as the politician has done a good job as a politician, then he should continue with his career.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19852389/site/newsweek/
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Scandals in the White House has become so prominent. Vitter apologized for his sins, but should he really be released from guilt that easily? With a simple, alledgedly sincere apology, he can continue with his political career as if nothing was wrong and he holds no responsibility to the public as a political public figure. The belief of Classical Christianity is that people are frail and sinful, and make mistakes, but there is a saving grace as long as you admit your sins and repent. That seems a bit too easy to get away with their crimes.
Regardless of how Americans feel about sex scandals in the White House, as long as the politician has done a good job as a politician, then he should continue with his career.
A Flawed US Election Reform Bill
sounds great: It's stated purpose is "to require a voter-verified permanent paper ballot." Unfortunately, it sounds like the details have some devils, as usual. From the Bev Harris article Is a flawed bill better than no bill?: "[T]he Holt Bill provides for a paper trail (toilet paper roll-style records affixed to DRE voting machines) in 2008, requires more durable ballots in 2010, and requires a complex set of audits. It also cements and further empowers a concentration of power over elections under the White House, gives explicit federal sanction to trade secrets in vote counting, mandates an expensive 'text conversion' device that does not yet exist which is not fully funded, and removes 'safe harbor' for states in a way that opens them up to unlimited, expensive, and destabilizing litigation."
A little hard to read but great informaton on the bill. It points out many of its flaws and talks about the purpose.I found this one to be very interesting.
A little hard to read but great informaton on the bill. It points out many of its flaws and talks about the purpose.I found this one to be very interesting.
The New York Times vs. reality
http://www.tehrantimes.com/Description.asp?Da=7/17/2007&Cat=14&Num=001
The New York Times vs. reality
By Gwynne Dyer
The New York Times has been wrong on Iraq for so long that it has become a tradition, and they respect tradition at the Times. Its July 9 editorial calling for an immediate U.S. withdrawal from Iraq caused a great stir in the United States: “It is time for the United States to leave Iraq, without any more delay than the Pentagon needs to organize an orderly exit.” But an “orderly exit” is not a real option any more, and in any case that is not where the logic of American politics leads in the short run.
It would still be possible to get the 160,000 American troops out of Iraq without scenes reminiscent of the U.S. retreat from the Chosin Reservoir in Korea (1950), let alone the British retreat from Kabul (1842). There would be embarrassing TV clips as jubilant Iraqi mobs looted the Green Zone, but the token British force in Basra and the U.S. troops holding the supply lines up to Baghdad can still get out southwards via Kuwait, while the bulk of the American force could withdraw north to the friendly territory of Kurdistan and evacuate by air from there.
THis is a very interesting article on whether the US will just pull out of iraq after the next election or if that is even possible anymore. it also talks about the new york time calling for immediate us withdrawl from iraq.
The New York Times vs. reality
By Gwynne Dyer
The New York Times has been wrong on Iraq for so long that it has become a tradition, and they respect tradition at the Times. Its July 9 editorial calling for an immediate U.S. withdrawal from Iraq caused a great stir in the United States: “It is time for the United States to leave Iraq, without any more delay than the Pentagon needs to organize an orderly exit.” But an “orderly exit” is not a real option any more, and in any case that is not where the logic of American politics leads in the short run.
It would still be possible to get the 160,000 American troops out of Iraq without scenes reminiscent of the U.S. retreat from the Chosin Reservoir in Korea (1950), let alone the British retreat from Kabul (1842). There would be embarrassing TV clips as jubilant Iraqi mobs looted the Green Zone, but the token British force in Basra and the U.S. troops holding the supply lines up to Baghdad can still get out southwards via Kuwait, while the bulk of the American force could withdraw north to the friendly territory of Kurdistan and evacuate by air from there.
THis is a very interesting article on whether the US will just pull out of iraq after the next election or if that is even possible anymore. it also talks about the new york time calling for immediate us withdrawl from iraq.
Utah Will Be Important In US Presidential Election
http://www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?storyid=19077&ret=news.aspx&cat=Politics
The Democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson considers Utah as one of the important states that could create a major impact on the presidential election outcome. Richardson was in Salt Lake City last week to garner funds and endorsements from Rocky Anderson and Peter Corroon, who are the Mayors of Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County respectively
While addressing a gathering of Democrats at This Is the Place State Park in Utah last week, Richardson expressed hope that Utah along with certain other states would prove to be vital in his scheme of things during his presidential campaign.
THis is like what mr. austin was telling us in class about how they are already trying to get support in other states. :( i hope they come to california this year its me first year voting and ill be sad if im ignored
The Democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson considers Utah as one of the important states that could create a major impact on the presidential election outcome. Richardson was in Salt Lake City last week to garner funds and endorsements from Rocky Anderson and Peter Corroon, who are the Mayors of Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County respectively
While addressing a gathering of Democrats at This Is the Place State Park in Utah last week, Richardson expressed hope that Utah along with certain other states would prove to be vital in his scheme of things during his presidential campaign.
THis is like what mr. austin was telling us in class about how they are already trying to get support in other states. :( i hope they come to california this year its me first year voting and ill be sad if im ignored
Refusing to Lose
As public pressure to withdraw from Iraq increases, the president is losing GOP supporters in Congress. The senator introduced a bipartisan amendment to immediately wind down combat operations and instead have troops focus on counterterrorism, border security and training Iraqi troops. Collins believes her plan—broadly similar to others floating around Congress—will result in a "significant drawdown of our troops." Maybe. But military experts whom NEWSWEEK interviewed (among them senior officers serving in Iraq) suggest that for such a combination of missions to be done effectively, there would be little allowance for any reduction in troops. Given political realities, of course, adding troops is a nonstarter.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19762057/site/newsweek/
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War in Iraq now seems like a lost cause. Obviously, Bush is losing the support of not only Americans, but Congress as well. The focus now should be to train Iraqis so we Americans can withdraw from the war. If a civil-war breaks in Iraq, the number of American troop casualties will continue to rise. There is no absolute right answer, but risking more of our troops is definately not one of them.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19762057/site/newsweek/
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War in Iraq now seems like a lost cause. Obviously, Bush is losing the support of not only Americans, but Congress as well. The focus now should be to train Iraqis so we Americans can withdraw from the war. If a civil-war breaks in Iraq, the number of American troop casualties will continue to rise. There is no absolute right answer, but risking more of our troops is definately not one of them.
Americans appear prepared to elect either a black or a female president. But experience trumps both factors—and in a two-way race, Hillary Clinton lea
Could 2008 be the year that Americans put an end to an unbroken 218-year streak of electing white male presidents? Large majorities report a willingness to vote for either a woman or an African-American candidate for the office, according to the latest NEWSWEEK Poll. But those numbers drop significantly when respondents are asked whether the country is ready to accept a black or a woman in the White House.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19623085/site/newsweek/
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Ideally, a President should be elected based on his qualifications, not by gender or the color of their skin. But in reality, that may not be the case. People are wired to be biased and to various extents, discriminative. I believe both Hillary Clinton as well as Barack Obama are sufficient in their experiences and abilities to run the country. Both are excellent candidates.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19623085/site/newsweek/
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Ideally, a President should be elected based on his qualifications, not by gender or the color of their skin. But in reality, that may not be the case. People are wired to be biased and to various extents, discriminative. I believe both Hillary Clinton as well as Barack Obama are sufficient in their experiences and abilities to run the country. Both are excellent candidates.
Changes in the EAC
http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_ellen_th_070719_u_s__senate_bill_s__.htm
The name “Diebold,” when associated with elections, has come to mean “untrustworthy.” But terms that indicate “election dysfunction” aren’t wholly owned by Diebold. The name of another voting machine company, “Sequoia,” has come to mean foreign ownership of vote-counting software. “ES&S” has come to mean broken contracts, lies to election officials, and questionable federal election results in Sarasota. For those paying close attention, the little-known U. S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) has come to mean incompetent, secretive, derelict in duties, partisan, and unduly influenced by Diebold, Sequoia, and ES&S.
An interesting look into U.S. Senate Bill S. 1487:
Escalating the Federal Control and Privatization of Elections. It explains what it is and what the current views are of the EAC from american people.
The name “Diebold,” when associated with elections, has come to mean “untrustworthy.” But terms that indicate “election dysfunction” aren’t wholly owned by Diebold. The name of another voting machine company, “Sequoia,” has come to mean foreign ownership of vote-counting software. “ES&S” has come to mean broken contracts, lies to election officials, and questionable federal election results in Sarasota. For those paying close attention, the little-known U. S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) has come to mean incompetent, secretive, derelict in duties, partisan, and unduly influenced by Diebold, Sequoia, and ES&S.
An interesting look into U.S. Senate Bill S. 1487:
Escalating the Federal Control and Privatization of Elections. It explains what it is and what the current views are of the EAC from american people.
Top PLO body approves Babas' call for early Palestinian elections
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/world/20070719-1321-israel-palestinians.html
RAMALLAH, West Bank – A top PLO body gave its approval Thursday for President Mahmoud Abbas to hold new presidential and legislative elections, a high-stakes gamble meant to sideline Hamas militants but also bound to set off more confrontations between Palestinian rivals Fatah and Hamas.
THis is a very interesting analysis of isreal elections, written from the us perspective. It is really informative and looking at the situation there very frightening also. I highly recomend this one.
RAMALLAH, West Bank – A top PLO body gave its approval Thursday for President Mahmoud Abbas to hold new presidential and legislative elections, a high-stakes gamble meant to sideline Hamas militants but also bound to set off more confrontations between Palestinian rivals Fatah and Hamas.
THis is a very interesting analysis of isreal elections, written from the us perspective. It is really informative and looking at the situation there very frightening also. I highly recomend this one.
World Leaders and Elections
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6906346.stm
He has only been prime minister for three weeks, but Gordon Brown is facing a key test of his popularity with the brace of by-elections that could either take the shine of his honeymoon or add to his "bounce".
It is an analysis of the new prime minister, but from the US perspective. It is really interesting and explains alittle how all the election stuff in the UK works. Also talks about the possible outcomes of losing two seats and Tony Blairs stance.
He has only been prime minister for three weeks, but Gordon Brown is facing a key test of his popularity with the brace of by-elections that could either take the shine of his honeymoon or add to his "bounce".
It is an analysis of the new prime minister, but from the US perspective. It is really interesting and explains alittle how all the election stuff in the UK works. Also talks about the possible outcomes of losing two seats and Tony Blairs stance.
Appetite for Third party Grows in the Us
http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/index.cfm/fuseaction/viewItem/itemID/16554
Angus Reid Global Monitor) - More adults in the United States believe their federal political spectrum needs a new alternative, according to a poll by Gallup released by USA Today. 58 per cent of respondents think a third major party is needed, while 33 per cent say the Republican and Democratic parties do an adequate job of representing the American people.
THis is a very interesting article about third parties in the US. It made me think about whether someone could win a US election without the support or endorsement of a major party.
Angus Reid Global Monitor) - More adults in the United States believe their federal political spectrum needs a new alternative, according to a poll by Gallup released by USA Today. 58 per cent of respondents think a third major party is needed, while 33 per cent say the Republican and Democratic parties do an adequate job of representing the American people.
THis is a very interesting article about third parties in the US. It made me think about whether someone could win a US election without the support or endorsement of a major party.
Senate panel votes big tax hike on smokers
WASHINGTON - Steady your hands as you light that cigarette and get ready for a 156 percent tax increase.
The Senate Finance Committee voted Thursday to impose a 61-cent increase in the 39-cent per pack federal cigarette tax. Four Republicans on the panel voted no; 17 senators including six Republicans voted for the tax increase.
If the full Senate and the House concur, it will result in more than a doubling of the tax on 47 million smokers.
The purpose of the tax hike is to help pay for expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which insures 6.6 million children and teenagers whose parents have low incomes, but who aren’t poor enough to be eligible for Medicaid.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19827784/
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Increasing taxes on cigarettes by 156% to help pay for expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program might be a bit unfair. Some people might assume the tax hike is a way to try to discourage smokers from smoking, but regardless many smokers, or at least the most "dedicated" will likely continue to smoke. Cigarettes are obviously harmful to our health, but so are sweets and fast foods. Heart disease currently tops as the leading health challenge amongst Americans. What will congress do next? Increase taxes on all sweets by 200% to for the expansion of SCHIP, which indirectly discourage diabetics from heavenly donuts from Krispy Kreme and mouth-watering cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory? Where will the lines be drawn where we, the public, know when to save ourselves from our addictions without government intervention? What else will the government continue increase tax on?
The Senate Finance Committee voted Thursday to impose a 61-cent increase in the 39-cent per pack federal cigarette tax. Four Republicans on the panel voted no; 17 senators including six Republicans voted for the tax increase.
If the full Senate and the House concur, it will result in more than a doubling of the tax on 47 million smokers.
The purpose of the tax hike is to help pay for expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which insures 6.6 million children and teenagers whose parents have low incomes, but who aren’t poor enough to be eligible for Medicaid.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19827784/
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Increasing taxes on cigarettes by 156% to help pay for expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program might be a bit unfair. Some people might assume the tax hike is a way to try to discourage smokers from smoking, but regardless many smokers, or at least the most "dedicated" will likely continue to smoke. Cigarettes are obviously harmful to our health, but so are sweets and fast foods. Heart disease currently tops as the leading health challenge amongst Americans. What will congress do next? Increase taxes on all sweets by 200% to for the expansion of SCHIP, which indirectly discourage diabetics from heavenly donuts from Krispy Kreme and mouth-watering cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory? Where will the lines be drawn where we, the public, know when to save ourselves from our addictions without government intervention? What else will the government continue increase tax on?
How Women view Hilary Clinton
The article in the New York Times spoke of the views that women have of Hilary Clinton. According the polls, many older and married women had negative opinions of Clinton. Also, although more widely known, Hilary Clinton has the strongest negative feelings directed that the other two democratic candidates combined. While gender does come into role, the polls showed that it would not affect the decisions made by voters greatly. Also suprisingly was the views of older women, who felt that they were not ready for a woman president. Another stated that Hilary had strayed too far from her party's ideals in order to be more embraced by the public. However, most do not doubt that Hilary would be a powerful President and make a difference in the oval office if elected.
I was astonished at some of the opinions stated in the article. Although I could easily understand the views that she is too conservative and might be changing in order for more votes, I could not relate to the women who did not want a woman president. If elected as the first woman president, this could revolutionize the fight for gender equality. Although, that should not be the main reason for voting for Clinton if voting, I believe that it is a great accomplishment that a woman candidate is being seriously considered for the job of Presidency.
I was astonished at some of the opinions stated in the article. Although I could easily understand the views that she is too conservative and might be changing in order for more votes, I could not relate to the women who did not want a woman president. If elected as the first woman president, this could revolutionize the fight for gender equality. Although, that should not be the main reason for voting for Clinton if voting, I believe that it is a great accomplishment that a woman candidate is being seriously considered for the job of Presidency.
Politics Kills the Video Star
It was safe to assume that by now there would be numerous reinterpretations of the abrupt, clipped-off final scene of “The Sopranos.” It begs to be manipulated, mashed-up and parodied by the video-savvy merrymakers of the YouTube generation. But who could have predicted that presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton would be among those with her own Web riff?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19337191/site/newsweek/
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Although campaigning via the internet to entice the younger generations by forms of social networking websites, can easily backfire. With a formidable candidate like Hillary Clinton, a youtube parady of a "Sopranos" episode might be little out of her political gaming arena. Hillary Clinton has already established a reputation for being conservative. A video showing how hip, personable and "with the people" via youtube might harm her political image. She should continue with the strong and formidable persona she has already established and continue to run with that strategy.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19337191/site/newsweek/
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Although campaigning via the internet to entice the younger generations by forms of social networking websites, can easily backfire. With a formidable candidate like Hillary Clinton, a youtube parady of a "Sopranos" episode might be little out of her political gaming arena. Hillary Clinton has already established a reputation for being conservative. A video showing how hip, personable and "with the people" via youtube might harm her political image. She should continue with the strong and formidable persona she has already established and continue to run with that strategy.
Obama's Voice Problem
Obama started his career as a community organizer, and he thrives when he's doing grass-roots work. It's his appeal, but it also exposes a potential flaw: he's running for commander in chief now, not city council, and Obama's aides are acutely aware that his approach doesn't always translate in a modern presidential campaign. His set-piece speeches are often received in respectful silence, not rapturous applause; his political rallies can turn into policy workshops. In his first TV debate, Obama seemed hesitant, uncomfortable with the time limits. ("These formats don't suit the style of a man who speaks in paragraphs," says a senior aide who, like other advisers and confidants NEWSWEEK interviewed, declined to be named talking about campaign strategy.) Though the ailment is easy to diagnose, the usual remedy—more stage-managing—can kill the candidate. John Kerry and Al Gore, the last two Democratic presidential nominees, bounced from one persona to the next as consultants tried to "correct" their personalities. Publicly, Obama hasn't shown signs of suffering from such whiplash, but the pressure to adapt will only mount.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18999830/site/newsweek/
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Candidates should always reveal their true personalities to the public and not the personalities their consultants want them to portray. At the end of a long day, a candidate might not even realize who he is since he's been trying so hard to be someone else. A candidate can never truly be as honest and passionate as the image he tries to be. Acting as another person 24 hours a day can be as hard as trying to fit into a glove 2 sized too small; tiring and painful.
Hopefully, Obama remains solid in his political viewpoints and his own personality and avoid the artificial "winning" image his consultants wants him to adapt.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18999830/site/newsweek/
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Candidates should always reveal their true personalities to the public and not the personalities their consultants want them to portray. At the end of a long day, a candidate might not even realize who he is since he's been trying so hard to be someone else. A candidate can never truly be as honest and passionate as the image he tries to be. Acting as another person 24 hours a day can be as hard as trying to fit into a glove 2 sized too small; tiring and painful.
Hopefully, Obama remains solid in his political viewpoints and his own personality and avoid the artificial "winning" image his consultants wants him to adapt.
Mrs. Clinton comes back
This article in the New York Times talks of how Hilary Clinton is carrying her campaign. Despite what many thought, it is suprising that Hilary is being more of a centrist and conservative than what others thought. The article also talks about Clinton's ability to make peace with some former hostilities, while trying hard to beat Obama. However, with a steady campaign and a slogan "in it, to beat it" it seems as though Clinton will not have trouble beating the republican candidates so much as beating her fellow democrats. She has repetedly talked of her vast experience in politics and also hints that she will not make the mistakes of her husband.
I chose this article because as a mostly Republican student with dissapointments in the Bush administration, I was glad that a candidate, such as Hilary Clinton was running. Her conservative policies such as pro-life and strong education policies are what drew me to her. I always wanted a balance between the Republican and Democratic ideals and felt that Hilary is the closest person to achieve that in this presidential campaign.
I chose this article because as a mostly Republican student with dissapointments in the Bush administration, I was glad that a candidate, such as Hilary Clinton was running. Her conservative policies such as pro-life and strong education policies are what drew me to her. I always wanted a balance between the Republican and Democratic ideals and felt that Hilary is the closest person to achieve that in this presidential campaign.
Campaign silence belies importance of China
The reasons for silence on the political trail range from the pressing fact that U.S. soldiers are dying in Iraq and Afghanistan to the elusive nature of a competitive China that threads through issues such as the environment, energy, economics and security, analysts say.
"If you think ahead to the challenges the U.S. is going to face over the next 10 to 20 years, almost everyone would say that China is going to be one of those challenges," said Derek Chollet of the Center for a New American Security.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19804035/
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Although China being a strong future competitor hasn't been voiced by many political candidates, hopefully, the issue is on their minds. China will undeniably be in the running for holding the title of No.1 superpower in the world in the next 10 to 20 years. We must consider China as a challenge, as an ally and/or foe. We must continue to build our relations with China partially in order to enhance our internation trade system.
"If you think ahead to the challenges the U.S. is going to face over the next 10 to 20 years, almost everyone would say that China is going to be one of those challenges," said Derek Chollet of the Center for a New American Security.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19804035/
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Although China being a strong future competitor hasn't been voiced by many political candidates, hopefully, the issue is on their minds. China will undeniably be in the running for holding the title of No.1 superpower in the world in the next 10 to 20 years. We must consider China as a challenge, as an ally and/or foe. We must continue to build our relations with China partially in order to enhance our internation trade system.
support for next president
That would be President Bush, whose approval rating scraped new lows last week. Bush won't be on the ballot in 2008, of course, but throughout American history, outgoing presidents have cast a long shadow over the campaign to succeed them. And when a departing president has been as unpopular as Bush is now, his party has usually lost the White House in the next election. There's no guarantee that history will repeat itself. But the weight of experience suggests that Republicans in Congress and in the presidential race are vastly underestimating the challenge of escaping the undertow Bush is creating. If he cannot recover at least somewhat, or if the party does not separate itself from him more effectively — or both — the GOP may be dragged under.
i believe this to be very true. although i believe that bush has done some good things, i agree with the state ment that his campaign may some one limit the ability of success of the next republican president. just like we talked about in class if he was to sponsor a candidate he would probably oe hurt that candidate more than he would help them
i believe this to be very true. although i believe that bush has done some good things, i agree with the state ment that his campaign may some one limit the ability of success of the next republican president. just like we talked about in class if he was to sponsor a candidate he would probably oe hurt that candidate more than he would help them
Jerry Brown Has a Head of Steam
Since the Supreme Court ruled last month that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are pollutants subject to regulation by the Environmental Protection Agency, individual states—led by California—have been pushing the federal government to restrict greenhouse gases emitted by cars, known as “tailpipe emissions.” On Tuesday, Brown will ask the EPA to allow California and 12 other states to impose their own stricter standards on tailpipe emissions—or else, he says, California will sue the federal government. Although Brown took office only four months ago, this is not his first environmental battle with the Bush administration: last week, California sued the administration in federal court, arguing that Washington’s fuel-economy standards for SUVs are too lax [the Bush administration believes the fleet average is sufficient—and points out that the president has ordered tougher standards for the future].
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18783412/site/newsweek/
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Jerry Brown is tough on the Federal Government, but he may be too tough. Brown should allow some time for the fuel-economy standards to gradually become more stringent. The government and public needs time to adjust to becoming more environmentally friendly. The environment being a concern to politicians is a recent phenomenon. Why didn't politicians care enough 10 years ago, or 20 years ago? Could an image of caring for the environment be for personal political gain because it allows them to be in the limelight? Possible. Sueing the federal government doesnt appear to be much of an incentive to propelling the government to speed up tougher green-house laws, but it sure does help Jerry Brown gain public attention.
ironmental concerns have recently been
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18783412/site/newsweek/
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Jerry Brown is tough on the Federal Government, but he may be too tough. Brown should allow some time for the fuel-economy standards to gradually become more stringent. The government and public needs time to adjust to becoming more environmentally friendly. The environment being a concern to politicians is a recent phenomenon. Why didn't politicians care enough 10 years ago, or 20 years ago? Could an image of caring for the environment be for personal political gain because it allows them to be in the limelight? Possible. Sueing the federal government doesnt appear to be much of an incentive to propelling the government to speed up tougher green-house laws, but it sure does help Jerry Brown gain public attention.
ironmental concerns have recently been
Small donors give big to Obama
Sen. Barack Obama relied on donors large and small to seize the lead in the presidential money race, and far outpaced his rivals by tapping people who give less than $200, his campaign finance report filed Sunday shows. The La time said that the Illinois democrat disclosed that Obama got $9.7 million of the $33 million he raised in the second quarter of 2007 came in increments of less then $200 a very large number that surprises campaign finance experts. Obama raised $58.5 million in the first of the year. I feel that this is unfair to the other candidates that do not have enough money to compete in the race.
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/
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