http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/17/opinion/a-republican-talks-sense-on-taxes.html?_r=1&ref=opinion
Money: It's the number one thing that most couples will fight about which most likely leads to a break up or divorce if not handled properly. To be honest, there is no proper way to handle money. Congress creates an excellent example, in which they can't find a way to balance their budget without causing a federal debt or have a bigger deficit than revenue. In this New York Times editorial, the writer talks about a new bill that was introduced in the house to raise a surtax on those incomes who exceed one million dollars. "Representative Rick Crawford, a freshman Republican from Arkansas, says the only serious way to begin cutting the deficit is to combine new tax revenue with spending cuts." Easier said than done. The bill would require the government to come up with a balanced budget for the fiscal year, which would be difficult to determine seeing how this country is suffering from a recession. Representative, Rick Crawford from Arkansas, has been criticized for this proposal due to the fact that he's a Republican and the Democrats dominate the House currently. Grover Norquist said Crawford would be in violation because he did sign the 'no-new tax pledge' when he was running for a seat in the House. But Crawford is more concerned with the amount of federal debt than with the voters' perception. No one else in Crawford's caucus will not take him up this offer and ultimately this could lead to another government shut down if the issues over the new unveiling of the budget aren't resolved.
I have to give Crawford credit, at least he is trying to come up with a plane that may pertain to the government's lack of responsibility for its expenditures and revenues. On the other hand, his plan is somewhat unreasonable because to ask the government to come up with a balanced budget for the year is like asking a two month old to comprehend the concept of walking and do it. It's not going to happen or if does, none of us will be here to witness it. Taxing the rich though isn't a bad idea. This has caused many concerns for Republicans and Democrats alike because the question is not if they can do it but is it fair? Personally, these millionaires, even billionaires are able to shell out a little money to support this nation's debt and it won't hurt them. On the other hand though, it is their money and they have been successful enough to earn that sum of money and it is theirs. It's a tough call and if I were sitting in Congress, I wouldn't know what to do.
It would probably be best for Congress though to find out where they spend the most money and why. As we learned in Chapter 14, Congress tends to spend most of the budget on Social Services to support those who have retired. But why are they spending so much on these people? Like the government, people should be responsible for putting away money for when they retire and balancing their revenue versus their expenditures. In comparison to fifty years ago, more people find themselves in debt than they did in the sixties. Instead of supporting those who have retired by raising the tax on the wealthy individuals, the government should issue programs that would help individuals to balance there budget so they can retire without having to worry. But as for now, the government's focus is not placed on things like that and they we'll just have to find a decent and ethical way to maintain the budget.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Is The Dream Act Just a Dream?
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/13/opinion/dream-act-for-new-york.html?_r=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
According to dictionary.com, one the definitions of a "dream" is an involuntary vision occurring to a person when they are awake. This involuntary vision could be anything from a personal goal to a universal freedom and for immigrants, The Dream Act accomplishes both. In this New York Times editorial, the writer talks about the challenges New York is facing right now with regards to The Dream Act. This Act would give immigrants the ability to go to college even if they are not a U.S. citizen. This open doors for them by making them eligible college education and military. Not only would it give them a chance to pursue a college career but also it would give them legal status, something most immigrants lack here in the U.S. Currently, New York is one of thirteen states give immigrants the chance to qualify for in state tuition but they do not qualify for financial aid from the government. California, New Mexico, and Texas are the only states that provide immigrants with financial aid from the government. New York though, is working to become the fourth state to do this. But just like all states, they are trying to overcome the legal challenges they face with immigrants and Senator Andrew Cuomo is standing back to review the procedures and guidelines of this bill. "It's hard to see why Cuomo would be hesitant to support these measures. It isn't the expense." So what is it then?
If I had to take guess as to why Cuomo is not proceeding with this bill, it's due to the controversy it would cause. Back when minorities were starting to go to college to gain an education, it was difficult. The change that society experienced was radical as women changed their roles of home makers to first class workers. The same concept applies to immigrants. People view them as being low on the education radar and not knowledgeable enough of the country's past or present. But why keep immigrants from an education when America itself supports and even advertises the fact that they allow foreigners into this country? The point of this Dream Act is to change the way we've been doing things and start providing people with a resource that is necessary to get a higher paying job. The reason why immigrants came here was to learn more and attain a better life not only for themselves but for their children. There children have no control over their nationality but they can control how far their schooling takes them. If they want to pursue a higher degree of learning, then the Dream Act should be passed by the states. These types of immigrants obviously want to make the change in their lifestyles and the government needs to recognize that.
Not only do people worry about this law but they also worry about things such affirmative action. This already gives immigrants the upper hand with regards to jobs but people can't imagine what it will do with regards to college. If the colleges were to choose between the Hispanic and the white child, they would choose the Hispanic due to their nationality. People view this as unfair because if their child, who is not the minority, is working hard, why can't they be chosen. There obviously has to be a balance in which immigrants can't be awarded based on who they are. They also have to show that they are willing to work hard like everyone else. This argument has come about more than a few times within government and it always has the same outcome: discrimination. Again, the Dream Act would promote an image that is not based on discrimination against other races but an image based on hard work and merit. Personally, if immigrants were willing to come into a new country and start a new life, they're probably willing to work hard and get an education for their own well being.
According to dictionary.com, one the definitions of a "dream" is an involuntary vision occurring to a person when they are awake. This involuntary vision could be anything from a personal goal to a universal freedom and for immigrants, The Dream Act accomplishes both. In this New York Times editorial, the writer talks about the challenges New York is facing right now with regards to The Dream Act. This Act would give immigrants the ability to go to college even if they are not a U.S. citizen. This open doors for them by making them eligible college education and military. Not only would it give them a chance to pursue a college career but also it would give them legal status, something most immigrants lack here in the U.S. Currently, New York is one of thirteen states give immigrants the chance to qualify for in state tuition but they do not qualify for financial aid from the government. California, New Mexico, and Texas are the only states that provide immigrants with financial aid from the government. New York though, is working to become the fourth state to do this. But just like all states, they are trying to overcome the legal challenges they face with immigrants and Senator Andrew Cuomo is standing back to review the procedures and guidelines of this bill. "It's hard to see why Cuomo would be hesitant to support these measures. It isn't the expense." So what is it then?
If I had to take guess as to why Cuomo is not proceeding with this bill, it's due to the controversy it would cause. Back when minorities were starting to go to college to gain an education, it was difficult. The change that society experienced was radical as women changed their roles of home makers to first class workers. The same concept applies to immigrants. People view them as being low on the education radar and not knowledgeable enough of the country's past or present. But why keep immigrants from an education when America itself supports and even advertises the fact that they allow foreigners into this country? The point of this Dream Act is to change the way we've been doing things and start providing people with a resource that is necessary to get a higher paying job. The reason why immigrants came here was to learn more and attain a better life not only for themselves but for their children. There children have no control over their nationality but they can control how far their schooling takes them. If they want to pursue a higher degree of learning, then the Dream Act should be passed by the states. These types of immigrants obviously want to make the change in their lifestyles and the government needs to recognize that.
Not only do people worry about this law but they also worry about things such affirmative action. This already gives immigrants the upper hand with regards to jobs but people can't imagine what it will do with regards to college. If the colleges were to choose between the Hispanic and the white child, they would choose the Hispanic due to their nationality. People view this as unfair because if their child, who is not the minority, is working hard, why can't they be chosen. There obviously has to be a balance in which immigrants can't be awarded based on who they are. They also have to show that they are willing to work hard like everyone else. This argument has come about more than a few times within government and it always has the same outcome: discrimination. Again, the Dream Act would promote an image that is not based on discrimination against other races but an image based on hard work and merit. Personally, if immigrants were willing to come into a new country and start a new life, they're probably willing to work hard and get an education for their own well being.
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