Gun Control

Savage, Charlie. "Rules Eased on Gun Sales to Noncitizens." New York Times. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Jan 2012. .


Summary:

Gun regulations aimed at Non-citizens by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tabacco, Firearms, and Explosives will become relaxed as the Supreme Court ruled that there was no legal basis for these instructions. The removal of this restriction will allow non-citizens to own guns as long as they can document that they have stayed in a state for over 90 days. This rule does not apply to citizens.

Connection:

With the increase in numbers of illegal immigrants, and non-citizens, cases involving their rights have increased lately. From voting to gun ownership, non-citizens are gradually gaining their rights .

Reflection:
Whether this removal of regulation is for better or for worse is hard to tell. Given the recent incident involving a student being shot to death for having a replica gun and a woman shooting an intruder, gun regulation has rose to the limelight lately. By reducing restrictions for non-citizens, it makes non-citizens more able the same rights as citizens. However, it also raises fear about raising crime rates that will probably result as more gain access to guns.

Environment

Broder, John. "Obama Drops by the E.P.A.." New York Times. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Jan 2012. http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/10/obama-drops-by-the-e-p-a/?scp=5&sq=environment&st=cs



Summary:

Obama presented a brief speech to E.P.A employees addressing them for their efforts in the improvement of truck efficiency, reduction of toxic emissions and the clean up of many rivers and water bodies. However, the President was careful to not address his recent moves that have restrained the EPA-suspending the EPA's actions to increase smog and carbon dioxide regulations.

Connection:
The Democrats are known to be advocates of environmental safety standards and their support for the EPA. President Obama's actions definitely aligned him favorably with environmentalists however, his more conservative actions probably were strategic with the 2012 in mind.

Reflection:

The majority of Republican candidates have demonstrated of their extreme views toward the environment. From denouncing climate change to declaring that the EPA will be removed, the Republican candidates are definitely alienating potential Democrat support. This will only work in Obama's interest.

Foreign Policy

Sherman, Paul. "Paul’s Stance on Foreign Policy Divides Many Traditional G.O.P. Voters." New York Times. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Jan 2012.http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/30/us/politics/pauls-foreign-policy-stance-divides-many-gop-voters.html?scp=2&sq=foreign policy&st=cse



Summary:
Representative Ron Paul has been know for his more conservative policies. However, his foreign policy seems to diverge from his standard policies as he takes the approach of removing the possibility of striking Iran as means of protection. His non-interventionist plan has reduced his support, as many loyal Republicans are more favorable to interventionist foreign policy especially when deadline with Iran.

Connection:
Ron Paul has lead in second in the past few weeks. His policies are generally Republican, however, taken to the extreme conservative side. For instance, he supports removing income tax and the IRS. In addition, he also signed a Pro-Life, anti-abortion pledge, stating that he was anti-abortion no matter what the circumstances are.

Reflection:
It is unsurprising for Ron Paul's popularity because he is the representation of the Republican policy agenda. However, his extreme views will definitely eliminate him from becoming a president because he will not have the votes of moderates.

Elections/Campaigns

Sherman, Paul. "Let the Non-citizens Vote." New York Times. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Jan 2012.http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/04/opinion/let-noncitizens-contribute-to-us-elections.html?scp=2&sq=elections&st=cse


Summary:

In Bluman v FEC, the Supreme Court will be hearing the first federal law that will challenge the past norm-not allowing non-citizens to vote. The plaintiff, Bluman was charged for the distribution of pamplets advocating for the presidency of President Obama. This case will seek to overturn the first amendment.



Connection:
Citizenship being the requisite for voting has long been established in America. However, in recent years, as illegal immigration has increased, it has let to questions about representation.

Reflection:

If this bill succeeds in passing, it will completely change election results. With the Hispanic populations upsurge in recent years, if this bill allows them to vote, then they will place great pressure on the Republican candidates who have been seeking to raise fences on the Mexican border.

Political Parties

Rosenthal, Andrew. "The Faux Insurgent Versus the Faux Conservative." New York Times. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Jan 2012. http://loyalopposition.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/11/the-faux-insurgent-versus-the-faux-conservative/?scp=4&sq=republican party&st=cse.


Summary:

In the recent Republican's bid in the caucus, plenty of mudslinging is to be seen. Newt Gringrich, a candidate that is running low on support in recent caucus have released a commercial directed at Mitt Romney. Not only is Romney portrayed as Pro-abortion, but also a moderate and a extremists.

Connection:
Mitt Romney has been in the lead lately in a couple of caucuses. In order to damage his image, his competitors will risk everything to denounce him. However, by doing so hurts the overall image of the Republican party which will be favorable for Obama.


Reflection:
Mitt Romney has expressed that he was prepared for name-calling from other competitors. However, he also points out that by doing so, they will only damage the party's name. As competiton between the G.O.P candidates intensifies in the upcoming weeks, Romney should embrace him for more.

Social Security

John, Calme. "Disagreement Over Payroll Tax Cut’s Impact on Social Security." New York Times. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Jan 2012.



Summary:
President Obama's decision to extend a payroll tax break affecting more than 160 million workers and employers have been speculated by many from primarily the Republican party. Social Security is directly influenced by the payroll tax cut because payroll taxes fund the majority of it. Many worry that the payroll tax break, which should end on December 31st will be extended, and if that occurs, then Social Security funding will be jeopardized.

Connection:
The President's decision to extend the payroll tax is understandable as one of his priorities right now as an incumbent is to boost the economy. If this does indeed improves the job economy, then perhaps his chances of reelection will be higher. However, by doing so, he is also jeopardizing the votes the millions of senior citizens who rely on Social Security.

Reflection:
It is ironic that while one of the Republican Party policies is aimed to reduce social benefits such as Social Security, they would criticize a plan that would potentially decrease it. I think this demonstrates of true bipartisanship-an eagerness to criticize regardless of how the party agenda is aligned with the policy.

Federal Budget

Applebaum, Binyaman. "A Shrinking Military Budget May Take Neighbors With It." New York Times. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Jan 2012.http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/07/us/a-hidden-cost-of-military-cuts-could-be-invention-and-its-industries.html
Summary:
News of budget cuts within the military have been released. The budget cut will primarily be cut from the research and development sector of the military. At 80 billion dollars, it will cut more than ten percent of the military's spending. Many see this cut as having negative impacts on the economy because it will reduce technological innovation for which the military is know for. .

Connection:
The Democratic party has long been adverse to increasing military spending. By cutting funding for the military, not only will it reduce strains on the already high debt but also reduce unnecessary spending. However, with election looming ahead, how long this cut will last is not known.

Reflection:
The military's R&D department contributes to many scientific advancements. Thus, while I think it may be necessary to balance budgets, I wish the cut had been to another component of the military-one that does not bring as many technological benefits,

Economy

"Health Care Law Will Let States Tailor Benefits." New York Times. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Jan 2012. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/06/business/us-manufacturing-is-a-bright-spot-for-the-economy.html?scp=5&sq=economy&st=cse



Summary:
While consumer do not see much of “Made in USA” in stores, US is actually ranked number two in the world for manufacturing. However, due to the relative inexpensiveness of manufacturing in Asian countries, U.S has been forced to occupy manufacturing of higher value products not as commonly seen. For example, US produces machinery, chemicals and transportation equipments. The past year is the first time since 1997 since manufacturing industries have witnessed a rise.

Connection:
President Obama has currently seen a rise in approval rating for the improving economy. The rise in manufacturing will look favorable for Obama as an incumbent compared to inexperienced Republican candidates who at the moment at attacking each other.

Reflection:
The domestic economy has been rose to become the priority for most American who have survived the recession. Because the economy has improved during the Obama administration, it will add to Obama's merits, showing that he is capable.

Health Care

Pear, Robert. "Health Care Law Will Let States Tailor Benefits." New York Times. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Jan 2012. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/17/health/policy/health-care-law-to-allow-states-to-pick-benefits.html?scp=7&sq=health%20care&st=cse

Summary:
The Obama administration recently released that they were changing the health care law to allow states to determine the benefits. This change will make the health care law similar to Medicaid, in which the states set the benefits to meet federal standards. The new flexibility would deflect many critisms of the Republican party which has at numerous times pointed out that the flaws in a uniform law.

Connection:
Obama has persisted in passing the health care reform which has been in his policy for years. However, due to a Congress of dominantly Republican congressmen, this health care law has yet to be approved. In addition, this health care reform must await for the Supreme Court decision to determine whether the requirement of buying health insurance can be mandated by government.

Reflection:
Obama has seen a brief rise in approval rating due to the improving economy. However, his popularity, compared to incumbents in the past, is still low. If the health care reform is passed by the Supreme Court, Obama's chances of reelection will be significantly higher.

Taxes

Bartlett, Bruce.
"Cutting the Corporate Tax Rate Is No Economic Panacea."
New York Times. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Jan 2012.
Summary:
Many
Republican candidates have increasing turned to cutting corporate
taxes as the solution to a better economy. However, that solution
will only benefit a small number of corporations because most
businesses do not pay taxes as high as that of corporates. A study
has shown that only twenty-five percent of the leading corporations
have to pay the tax rate of 35%. Thus, corporate tax cuts will
benefit few wealthy companies while not having much impact on the
overall economy.

Connection:
The
Republican candidates similar responses about cutting income taxes,
corporate taxes, and regulations on industries comply with the
Republican party platform. However, they do not consider that
cutting corporate taxes will only benefits the biggest and most
wealthy corporations that already have surpluses in profits and not
the overall economy.


Reflection:
With
the worldwide “Occupy Wall Street” movement, it is surprising to
see the Republican candidates adherence to the party platform which
seems like it will work against their favor. Corporate tax cuts will
benefit many wall street companies, thus, wouldn't it cause greater
rage amongst protesters?