Graded assignment 8

Ryne Welch

            America is a very unique country. While other counties and nations throughout history may have a more legitimate claim as a true world leader, America has arisen in power in the modern era where global power can truly be realized. The influence of culture, as well as the effect America has in relation to the global economy are tell tale signs of this. That being said, recently America has become a place where the economy is has become a roller coaster of ups and downs. That, coupled with the recent credit crisis, has brought about a great fear of another depression like condition within the United States. While this fear is undeniably real in the realms of possibility, it is not entirely impossible for our country to make a comeback and reestablish the greatness that our country has come to be known for.

            The first thing one needs to do is to gain an understanding of what the economic crisis is all about. The main problem, and the most basic way to one to understand it, is that our government is essentially spending more money than it is making. Think of this like a regular individual, who is constantly in the hole when it comes to bills and such. In order to meet the demands for a situation such as this, the government has resorted to borrowing money from the likes of countries such as China. This has created a whole mess of problems because our government’s national debt has skyrocketed to unprecedented levels. This in turn affects several things such as for example individual’s ability to take out loans. With all these problems seemingly piling up and spiraling out of control, what then can be the solutions to bring us back?

            According to David Rosenberg, economical analysts, there are six major ways to help the economy. The first method is to give large tax cuts to small business. One of the things that America relied on during the early days of its economy was small business. In the modern age, large cooperation has taken over as the primary group that sells to Americans. The tax cuts will help foster small business and make it a relevant factor in the business world. Next, Rosenberg suggests that working on green methods for energy in America can help wean America off of foreign oil, a major factor in the increasing debt of the National Government. Another way is to provide government aid programs that are aimed to help people find long-term jobs. This would replace current programs that do little more than to provide free handouts to people who are in need of money. The fourth way Rosenberg thinks will help boost our economy is to cut jobless benefits that are often seen today. This goes back to the welfare programs that basically provide free handouts to people. The fifth way, and possibly the most controversial method suggested by Rosenberg would be to eliminate the minimum wage. His reasoning is that the free market intended for our country is being hampered by the minimum wage. In his opinion, the elimination of this would help the economy become competitive again, similar to other countries. The final way, and perhaps the most alluring to is to find other ways to increase the income of the federal government. This combats the basic problem our economy faces. (Rosenberg)

            The federal government has taken arms against the looming Economical crisis by outlying plans to help eliminate the problems. However, the democratic method of spending more money to combat the ailing economy is counterproductive. I think a push to restructure how taxes works, and a combination of several of the methods suggested by Rosenberg would be beneficial to our government. Obama has begun to push for taxation of the rich, which is a step in the right direction. If a true effort is made using these methods the federal government still has time to turn around the looming crisis that our great nation faces.

Work Cited

http://www.moneynews.com/StreetTalk/rosenberg-ways-fix-economy/2010/06/14/id/361913s

comprehensive work 8

            Ryne Welch

I think that for the most part, I’m a political independent. I mostly trust my feelings more so than I trust the opinions of a particular party. When I review my work I think the most common trend that one would find is that for the most part, I try not to think so badly of our national government. The thing is, I think multiple parties can be blamed on the problems our country faces. For the most part, I feel that problems that arise in the modern world are at the moment fixable with some patience and cooperation. With the government basically making mistake after mistake, I think that the American public needs to make more of an effort in helping our country. I guess that in turn makes me a political activist, because I think that the major problem in our country is the lack of communication between the people and the government. There have been improvements in this; however, these steps are mostly unknown to the general public. My political cartoons seem to reflect this often as a government that is mostly uncaring for the general public opinion. So all in all, a outside observer would probably say that I was a supporter for smaller a smaller national government and for the states to have more powers. This in turn would help the people have more of a say in what is done to run our country.

comprehensive work 7

This is the statue of liberty, our countries symbol for freedom and opportunity. However, to go along with my political cartoon, there is a disclaimer to people that don’t fit the status quo. In other words, the U.S. is a free place for “normal” people.

graded work 7

            When an issue is presented to the Supreme Court, it is often times highly controversial and important in relation to our Country.  One can cite several different examples, however the one that I will focus on is the Defense of Marriage act. This act, drawn up under President Bill Clinton, is the outline by the federal government as to what defines legal marriage. According to the act, a marriage as recognized by the federal government is a union between a man and a woman. While this seems on the surface to be unnecessary, the recent development of homosexual marriage as sparked a controversy to this act.

The problem lies in that while the federal government has a valid definition of what marriage is, the act also officially declares that the individual states have the right to make their own legal implications for gay marriage.  In addition to this, it also states that the other states can ignore a homosexual marriage based at its own discretion. The whole question then lies to the legality and constitutionality of the act. If I was an acting member of the Supreme Court, I would most certainty have a difficult time making a decision about this. In my personal belief, I will defiantly state that I feel very strongly against the legality of homosexual marriage because I think it’s wrongful according to my religious beliefs. However, if I were in the position such as a Supreme Court justice, I would have to put my beliefs behind me when looking at the legality of this act. It is clearly states in the fabric of our founding documents that all men our created equal.

I also believe very strongly in the separation of state and religion. As such, I would have to rule that this act is unconstitutional because it very clearly restricts a group of people from having equal rights. This in my opinion violates the constitution and everything that our country stands for. That being said, I would not rule that the states have to honor the other states decisions for the marriage because I don’t think that the Supreme Court should have the authority to undermine the individual states and their right to make the decision to recognize homosexual marriage. I think judicial restraint is important because activism would cause more problems than it would solve. There are many areas that are still extremely against homosexual marriage.

So for the federal government to make a decision to force the states to recognize other state’s decisions will cause hostile reactions from many states.  I think to back my opinion on the right to marriage is supported by precedents such as Laurence v Texas, which ruled that sexual acts between two individuals are acceptable between consenting adults of age regardless of sexual orientation. This lends to the fact that restrictions put on a group of people based on their sexual orientation is essentially unconstitutional. If this situation is not legal by the constitution, then restrictions on marriage should fall in the same category.

Our country has always had momentous events that have marked our history for civil rights.  Gay marriage, while on the surface is very different from other past civil rights issues; it demands similar respect and attention from the federal government. Whenever a group of people don’t have the same rights as everybody else because of a restriction set by the government it violates the constitution. It is the supreme courts’ role to declare things that are unconstitutional. As the scenario was presented to me, I as a Supreme Court justice would have to lend my legal opinion on the constitutionality of the marriage act. As is stands, it violates human rights and thus should be eliminated, however, the policy of letting the states set their own laws for marriage should be upheld. This will ensure that people will not be forced to accept something they disagree with.

political cartoon

This represents the congress building being bombarded by signals by the internet. As evidenced by my graded assignment, I learned that with the internet people have the ability to send thoughts to their representatives in the government. This comic represents that. I think this is very important so that issues are able to reach the government and our needs are heard.

Letter to Congressman and state Senator and report.

Representative Trey Gowdy

Hi, as a student and citizen of S.C. living in your district, I felt compelled to contact you on an issue in which I feel there is a dire need. Unemployment is something that I feel is at the root of many of the problems that can be seen in today's economy. The bill listed in the subject is just one example of a bill I feel is a step in the right direction for our state. It is an effort to improve training for people so that they will be better prepared for different jobs. Industries such as BMW manufacturing have made incredible strides in our area in terms of the employment. As such, the area has experienced quite a boom. While this particular bill may not be one where there is a great need, I trust you are more aware than I, there should be some effort in my opinion made to help stimulate even more jobs in this area. When there are people working, it spirals all the way down to many other aspects of life. For example, since the arrival of BMW, many of the local schools have experienced a phenomenon where they are exponentially improving. People who have work are more willing to spend money, thus it also improves the local economy as well. It seems like there are so many roundabout ways that are being made to help stimulate the economy. Fortunately, I feel that the simple effort of creating work in the area can help stimulate the economy and help it reach unparalleled levels.  

This first bill is an effort by the federal government to send aid to states for programs designed to help people learn skill to help foster the work force. This is crucial in helping stimulate the economy.

Senator Jim Demint

Hi, as a citizen of S.C. I felt I should contact you on the recent issue of unemployment. As a student in college, I have seen and dwelt with the struggles many college level kids deal with when it comes to work. I know many others who have experienced this problem of a "lack" of jobs in the upstate S.C. While the situation has improved to some degree, I still feel there hasn't been much effort of the part of the government in helping stimulate more jobs. For example, where I live BMW manufacturing has helped stimulate the economy on many different levels. I know there are efforts being made such as the legislation S. 782, which deals with several provisions that are set up to help the economy in the long run. Understandable many of these will take time and effort to bring forth any benefit; However, I feel eventually these types of legislation can help our state in a positive way. I think other types of Legislation should be passed that are aimed at the younger generation who are struggling with the lack of jobs for college level kids. This will greatly help people my age who are trying to get through college without piling up tons of debt from student loans. Thank you for your consideration.

This assignment was probably to me the most important in terms of helping me understand the government. I think many people my age are slightly intimidated by the government. It has become such a large entity that many shy away from making any effort to contact our representatives. The word representative is important because the very meaning of that word is someone who stands in place of another, in this case us. That means that they are supposed to do what is in the best interest of us. Without contacting them, there is little chance that they can satisfy everybody needs. This ability to contact and let them know about personal issues is to me a remarkable thing and I’m glad to know about it now.

Comprehensive Assignment 5