Current Event #4: Occupy Wall Street Continues to Attract a Following

Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15498098

Despite a seeming lack of direction, the occupy movement has recently escalated nationwide, prompting greater police action on controversy towards personal infringements. Protestors generally assert that the movement works primarily against unequal distribution of wealth and corporate greed, understandable given the protest's origins. The movement has escalated to such proportions that a Nashville law was enacted specifically in response, outlawing overnight camping near the state capitol, and over fifty arrests were recently reported in San Diego, sparking heightened controversy on the treatment of law-abiding protestors. Scott Olson, a protestor who suffered a skull fracture following state trooper intervention in an Oakland protest, has received widespread coverage and dedication from occupiers nationwide. While I strongly support public efforts to extend their influence in government and the economy, I do find several aspects of the protest rather irritating. The internet has been flooded with anecdotal attacks on economic inequality from the "I am the 99%" movement, and while it's certainly true that our nation faces a crisis in government reallocation of wealth and tax distribution, you can't expect a six figure salary out of a bachelors in animal studies. The promise of a respectable job following college graduation is quite simply no longer a reality, and people need to take greater consideration as to their potential career paths.

Political Issue Facing Virginia

    Virginia certainly faces its fair portion of political issues, but none surpass the transportation congestion plaguing much of Northern Virginia, coupled with numerous disputes regarding construction and statewide division and disagreement. Following unprecedented industrial growth in the past decade, the Washington DC area is now designated the second most congested urban area in the nation, most likely following the infamous Los Angeles. In response, man running state delegates have touted transportation restructuring as a primary issue, which is quite understandable given the state's unequal population distribution.
 
   State delegation in Virginia has always faced a fervently ant-tax Republican majority, and thus many Northern Virginians who would gladly provide financial compensation for transportation construction have been deprived the opportunity.IN 2009, Creigh Deeds agreed to signing a bipartisan compromise that would ad transportation funding through a 5% gasoline tax and other individual expenditures that a vast majority of Northern Virginians appear to support. Facing deterioration of highways and much-needed bridge construction, metro projects simply won't provide enough compensation for Northern Virginia's dire transportation issue.

"Democratic and Republican leaders agree there is a need for about $1 billion a year in new money for transportation, Pethtel writes. But they can’t agree on whether to raise taxes, create new taxes, take money from the general fund to use for transportation purposes, sell some state facilities and put the profits into transportation, or any other alternatives."

Current proposals include setting gasoline taxes proportionally to quantity, extending sales taxes, the creation of a statewide transportation district, and creating numerous local transportation districts extending throughout Virginia.

Current Event #3 - Herman Cain Gets a Slice of the Action

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/cain-defends-9-9-9-tax-overhaul-plan/2011/10/16/gIQAFQblpL_story.html

Coupled with Herman Cain's rising favor in the polls, the public has expressed increased interest in the specifics of his 9-9-9 flat tax plan. Cain also expressed his desire that Americans acquire a sense of humor, because electrocuting immigrants is hysterical. Not many specifics are known regarding how the plan would effect individual Americans, aside from it replacing the current tax code with a 9 percent corporate income tax, 9 percent personal income tax and 9 percent national sales tax. Cain expressed, and rightfully so, that while some will face greater federal tax payments, the plan would benefit the majority of Americans. While that is certainly true, the poor and middle class would face an increase in tax rates, while those with greater economic stability would be the ones paying less. While wealthy Americans utilize a multitude of loopholes when it comes to mortgage payments, a 9 percent income tax is a significant decrease for the financial fortunate, by over 20 percent for some Americans. Cain remains steadfast in defending the plan, and while it could certainly prove beneficial, more details are needed.

President Obama Report Card

Health Care - B
While Obama's Health care reform bill has provoked substantial controversy and skepticism, his ability to make headway in the system alone is admirable. Signed on March 23, 2010, president Obama's reform bill guarantees medical insurance for tens of thousands of Americans, and forbids insurers from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions. This bill may likely be remembered as Barack's most symbolic achievement, despite unanimous Republican opposition.

Economic Policy - C+
Regarding economic reform, Obama's legislation has been an incredibly mixed bag. The initial government bailout proved very successful in reinvigorating the domestic motor industry, saving GM and Chrysler from liquidation, and both companies have made a significant comeback. Obama should have expressed more executive power regarding the stimulus package, though it did result in minimal increases in the GDP and employment. Following the financial crisis, bank reform was also quite controversial, so while Obama certainly inherited a waning economy, I am undeniably rather disappointed in the progress made.

War on Terror - B-
While the administration has made significant headway since the Bush administration's foreign military fiasco, Obama quite simply hasn't lived up to his promises. While the president has appeared quite effective in ending controversy in Iraq, Afghanistan remains an issue. The recent assassination of Osama bin Laden was certainly beneficial in decreasing public sentiment towards the administrations effectiveness overseas, it has done quite little in truly helping our situation in foreign policy.

Reelection Bid - B
While he recently referred to himself as the electoral underdog, I remain quite confident in Obama's reelection, given the general inability for Republicans to ban together under a single candidate. While Romney may effectively sway some moderates through the public's desire for new reform, public sentiment towards the party in general hurts their chances. Obama has effectively raised over $70 million, and I believe his campaign will successfully, though not as wholeheartedly, capture the minds of the public once again.

Current Event #2: Public Opinion Regarding Impending Financial Crisis

   Quite unsurprisingly, the nation's unanimous pessimism regarding the federal regulation of the economy has led many to predict an impending financial crisis akin to the 2008 stock market fiasco. I'll be utilizing this issue primarily to voice my concern regarding the GOP candidacy, but it's certainly a prevalent conflict that should be addressed. As expected, Republicans remain sheepishly supportive of their party's economic regulation, with practically two thirds believing a conservative president would effectively improve our economic condition. In an effort to assert their individualism (which is rather ironic given liberal ideology), Democrats appear far less confident in Obama's continued regulation of green for a a second term. This could be expected, however, given Obama's three year litmus test of little success.

   When asked what GOP candidate would prove most beneficial to the national economy, conservatives voiced some insightful statistics. First and foremost, Michele Bachmann and Rick Perry have been shot dead, with Cain rising triumphantly from the ashes. Romney, whom I personally believe is the only candidate (sans Huntsman) who holds any potential chance of unseating Obama, continues to lead in the polls, significantly among moderate conservatives. I feel that Romney alone possesses the potential to sway an adequate number of moderates to grant him the presidency, but sadly those who are instrumental in deciding the GOP candidate appear oblivious to this. The article states, rather bewilderingly, that a clear majority of political independents say the economy would be no better or worse with a Republican president, and nearly six in 10 don’t think the outcome of the presidential election will have a big effect on their own personal fortunes. As voiced in our readings, American politics is depressingly converse, in that increasing public disdain for the federal government generally results in a decrease in public participation.

Can we have him back?

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/behind-the-numbers/post/more-see-crisis-ahead-gop-fractured-on-best-candidate-to-fix-economy/2011/10/10/gIQAgAkUaL_blog.html

Question 2: Gun Control

   Among such prevalent stalemates as gay rights and abortion, which I support and am pro-choice in respectively, I've always found the issue of gun control to be particularly interesting, as it is one of the few partisan conflicts (sans economic policy) where my generally liberal ideology is put at odds. Gun control brings into question the very definition of a firearm, whether it be an object of self defense or outward aggression. While I would idealistically prefer that such an object was never put into existence, when in the hands of moral and mentally stable individual a gun may be very beneficial to one's safety.
   While still rather conflicted on my position, I hold the belief that those with violent intentions generally make no effort to adhere to federal laws, and thus would acquire firearms just as easily if legislation were passed banning public purchase of such weapons. Conversely, common citizens would be deprived a fundamental piece of defense against such aggressors, only worsening national homicide rates. Furthermore, the issue brings into question our interpretation of the Constitution, and my belief that such a ban would serve as an infringement on individual rights was exemplified in the 2008 dismissal of a firearm ban in the District of Columbia.
   This standpoint may reflect a portion of my father's libertarian influence on my personal beliefs, and further underscores my ambivalence regarding the extent of individualism that should be tolerated by the federal government. Hopefully my belated post may be excused, I was away for the weekend and wasn't given sufficient time to make a proper entry.

Oscar Predictions

Oscar season has finally begun with the release of Moneyball, which has been met with unanimous critic praise and a fruitful public attendance. If only Warrior had met the same fate (I admittedly haven't seen it yet, excuse my hypocrisy.) There's an abundance of excellent films awaiting us in the coming months, hoisted by prominent names such as DiCaprio, Pitt, and Craig with lauded directors including Spielberg and Scorsese tackling new territory.

• Moneyball: With an excellent screenplay from Aaron Sorkin, previously known for The Social Network and Charlie Wilson's War, and great chemistry between Pitt and Hill, Moneyball will certainly be a prominent contender in the categories of Best Picture, Lead Actor, and Screenplay. Having seen the film on Saturday, I can confidently characterize the picture as this year's Social Network, taking an unorthodox approach towards the genre's common narrative, and depicting statistical analysis to the point where it becomes truly riveting, just as Zuckerberg's unintelligible hacking terminology touched us last year.
• J. Edgar: Directed by Clint Eastwood, Edgar looks to be a strong contender for best Director and Lead Actor. DiCaprio is one of the industry's greatest performers who remains without an Oscar, and with Edgar and Gatsby this coming year, his chances are promising.
• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: If you haven't seen the film's latest extended trailer, you're in for a brilliant ride. Dragon Tattoo is easily the most impressionable film yet to be released this year, and my second most anticipated. With Fincher's directing (Social Network), Reznor's soundtrack (le Social Network), and Zaillian's screenplay (Schindler's List and American Gangster, anyone?), I expect numerous wins.
• War Horse: Easily my most anticipated film of this year, War Horse marks a return to form for Spielberg, and the trailer's cinematography is simply gorgeous. The cast list isn't particularly impressionable, but goodness sakes that trailer was fantastic.
• The Adventures of Tintin: Quite a bit of controversy surrounding this one, but under the eyes of Jackson and Spielberg I'm certain people's apprehensions will wain soon enough. Working at Weta Digital has been my dream career for quite some time, so I have my fingers crossed.
• The Descendants: Clooney hasn't had a substantial indie success since Up in the Air (which still isn't available for Netflix streaming), and his performance looks promising for a nomination.
• Past that, numerous art-house pictures such as Drive, A Dangerous Method, and The Tree of Life will likely be nominated in various categories. Scorsese, notable for Goodfellas, Taxi Driver, Shutter Island, and a multitude of other fantastic films is releasing Hugo, which may aid the progression of 3D films as a substantial division of cinema.                                            

Those are my current predictions! If you're in film studies feel free to shamelessly draw from any of these points. I'm tempted to go into detailed reviews for each film upon its release, so we'll see.

Current Event: Are Baby Boomers to Blame for our Political Crisis?

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/29/opinion/navarrette-broken-government/index.html?hpt=us_mid

    Just as economists tirelessly devised justifications for the falling crime rates of the late 1900s, government theorists have brought forth a multitude of theories regarding who's truly to blame for our nation's current political situation. Authors Morley Winograd and Michael Hais assert that the steadfast ideologies of the baby boomer generation, now holding the strongest influence and regulation over national government, are chiefly to blame for our current condition. Various other specific theories are presented, so I'll try to address each of them.

• Baby Boomers: Asserting that the current generation in power is primarily responsible is an incredibly optimistic standpoint, as it entails that many of the nation's current ailments will improve once a new generation takes power. The ages of the two authors are not specified, but I would likely infer that they're members of Generation X, and thus believe idealistically that their generation and those in the future will remedy the issues caused by the boomers.

• Safe Districts: Definitely agree with the standpoint that over-partisan lawmakers have hindered the passing of new legislation.

• Constant need to fundraise: Overemphasis on reelection may hinder government action. Obama addressed this very issue during his jobs act speech, stating that focus must be put towards advancing legislation rather than elections that remain months away.

• Words speak louder than actions: Harsh words won't solve our problems, action will. (I just shamelessly quoted an animated children's series.)The developing misconception that speaking of legislation advances it needs to end. Speaking of which, I'd love to hear some specifics regarding Republican resistance of the American Jobs Act.

• Polarization: The radical minority tends to have the loudest voice, as exemplified through the Republican debates. The American public has always expressed apathy and a moderate standpoint, yet those most greatly impacting who will become the Republican candidate have completely divergent interests. I'm quite certain the national majority is terrified of the tea party, while Romney would have the greatest probability of unseating Obama.

• Voter apathy: The greater the public disapproves of their government, the less of an effort they make to influence it. I love irony, though not when it applies to our own national crisis. Public opinion must be more enforced  for it to effectively permeate capitol hill.

Weekly Question: Political Allegiance

    Both working primarily in the technology fields, my parents have always exercised political apathy and a general lack of interest in most political issues. My father has commonly shown a conservative ideology, though coupled with a straightforward disdain for politics in general, and my mother generally supports liberal ideology though makes little effort to stay informed. While this has certainly contributed to my own ambivalence regarding political alignment, my envious perception of the decisive and steadfast has led me to commonly declare myself a liberal, given my common advocacy of national equality and the importance of federal regulation of social reforms and developments. 

    After completing the online quizzes, I was in fact declared a filthy liberal, but I admittedly found this rather surprising. I'm undeniably a strong supporter of race equality and gay rights, though am gradually becoming wary of reverse discrimination. While I've always displayed a leftist viewpoint regarding social issues, I too am quite supportive of business autonomy, opposing strong federal government regulation of corporations despite their rising political influence. I'm supportive of national healthcare, but admittedly don't fear privatization of federal economic powers as much as my liberal cohorts. These beliefs are all merely aesthetic however, as I admittedly know incredibly little about the general political processes that factor into such issues. Youthful support of social equality and federal support of the individual is practically unanimous. 

    As Winston Churchill so expertly stated, "Show me a young Conservative and I'll show you someone with no heart. Show me an old Liberal and I'll show you someone with no brains." The American youth is, undeniably, rather idealistic in their perception of national regulation, yet through age comes greater assertion of independence. I'm not trying to claim that liberals commonly age into conservatives, but how can one deny the statistics? In short, I'm a naive, uninformed, ambivalent statistic of the national youth, but I hope to have made some intelligible sense of my personal political interests. America.