http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/22/opinion/shot-to-death-in-florida.html?scp=7&sq=gun%20control&st=cse
Summary
Waiving the “duty to retreat” for shooters who has reasonable belief that their livelihood is harmed, Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law has incited national outrage by giving shooters the claim of self-defense. Recently, during the trial for the shooting of Trayvon Martin, a teenager who was shot because George Zimmerman felt threatened, the judges ruled the shootings justifiable on the basis that Zimmerman was standing his ground to defend himself. Florida was the first to pass such laws in 2005, backed by heavy National Rifle Association and support from Republican governor, Jeb Bush.
Connection
When coupling the National Rifle Association, a large interest group of gun-lovers, with Republicans, who have long defended the second amendment, the right to bear arms, the result is the “Stand Your Ground” law. In the past, people who felt threatened are always encouraged to first retreat and then use force if the offender instigates violence, but with the “Stand Your Ground” law, it allows anyone with reasonable suspicion of endangerment to employ violent force. With national attention brought to this law, it seems that its constitutionality might inevitably be judged.
Reflection
The Zimmerman case, inciting national outrage over the “Stand Your Ground” law, will most likely bring the issue to the forefront of the presidential election. While both President Obama and Republican candidates have condemned Zimmerman, it is uncertain yet the exact position of the Republican candidates regarding “Stand Your Ground”. For the present-being, the Republican candidates are more focused on separating themselves from the man that many citizens are condemning, but whether or not they agree with the law itself, will be interesting to see.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Environment
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/22/business/energy-environment/a-clash-over-mining-and-water.html?scp=7&sq=environment&st=cse
Summary
Rosemont Copper, a copper mining company that proposed a project to dig a copper mine in southern Arizona has been faced with adversaries varying from local residents, businesses, farmers, and the E.P.A. Though Arizona already supplies the majority of U.S’ copper resources, Rosement Copper’s new operation aimed to further increase that amount. However, local residents are protesting its operation, fearing that the water-intensive operations will exacerbate the already low water supplies. Furthermore, the copper operation has been criticized as residents fear that the toxins from the mining process will contaminate water resources.
Connection
It is difficult to always balance the interests of various groups. In this case, it is Rosemont Copper versus the residents of the area. Given the economical benefits that Rosemont Copper can bring, it is also important to evaluate its detriments, such as posing as a environmental risk to the area. In this case, the presence of regulation agency, E.P.A can help set guidelines for which the company must meet to minimize its environmental impacts if the Rosement Copper's mining operation were to be approved.
Reflection
In the conflict between environmental safety and economic gain, economic gain almost always wins. For example, while carbon dioxide has been supported through extensive scientific research to cause global warming, fossil fuels are still being consumed. Another case involves the decision to exploit the Arctics despite risk of environmental degradation in search of fossil fuels. Thus, I predict that the Rosemont Copper mining operation will eventually win over the complaints of the residents.
Summary
Rosemont Copper, a copper mining company that proposed a project to dig a copper mine in southern Arizona has been faced with adversaries varying from local residents, businesses, farmers, and the E.P.A. Though Arizona already supplies the majority of U.S’ copper resources, Rosement Copper’s new operation aimed to further increase that amount. However, local residents are protesting its operation, fearing that the water-intensive operations will exacerbate the already low water supplies. Furthermore, the copper operation has been criticized as residents fear that the toxins from the mining process will contaminate water resources.
Connection
It is difficult to always balance the interests of various groups. In this case, it is Rosemont Copper versus the residents of the area. Given the economical benefits that Rosemont Copper can bring, it is also important to evaluate its detriments, such as posing as a environmental risk to the area. In this case, the presence of regulation agency, E.P.A can help set guidelines for which the company must meet to minimize its environmental impacts if the Rosement Copper's mining operation were to be approved.
Reflection
In the conflict between environmental safety and economic gain, economic gain almost always wins. For example, while carbon dioxide has been supported through extensive scientific research to cause global warming, fossil fuels are still being consumed. Another case involves the decision to exploit the Arctics despite risk of environmental degradation in search of fossil fuels. Thus, I predict that the Rosemont Copper mining operation will eventually win over the complaints of the residents.
Foreign policy
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/18/world/asia/gulf-widens-between-us-and-an-increasingly-hostile-karzai.html?scp=38&sq=us%20foreign%20policy&st=cse
Summary
In response to the recent burning of the Koran by an American unit at Bolgrom Airbase and the murder of seventeen Afghan civilians, President Karzai of Afghanistan has released statements condemning U.S as a “demon” and its acts “satanic”. However, many view that Karzai’s condemnations are primarily aimed to gain support from Afghanis rather than admonish U.S. While the recent events have strained U.S.-Afghanistan’s positive relationships, the U.S doesn’t believe that they will destroy their relationships as President Karzai relies upon American aid to sustain his power as well as Afghan stability.
Connection
U.S employs multiple ways of implementing foreign policy - economically, military, diplomacy. In the case of Afghanistan, all three are implemented, with U.S military and economic aid and diplomatic dialogues. Nevertheless, discontent with American presence in Afghanistan is palpable, as President Karzai demonstrates through his increasingly more bold tirades.
Reflection
American military presence in the Middle East inciting discontent is old news. With an already short-tempered population, any U.S missteps can cause uproars resulting in violence and more deaths. Thus, President Karzai's condemnation of U.S is unsurprising, perhaps even mild, compared to the reaction of the public toward the slaughter of their fellow countrymen. However, U.S should not be discouraged by the public reaction and withdraw troops abruptly, as without U.S protection, Karzai will most likely loose power to other contenders, such as the Taliban.
Summary
In response to the recent burning of the Koran by an American unit at Bolgrom Airbase and the murder of seventeen Afghan civilians, President Karzai of Afghanistan has released statements condemning U.S as a “demon” and its acts “satanic”. However, many view that Karzai’s condemnations are primarily aimed to gain support from Afghanis rather than admonish U.S. While the recent events have strained U.S.-Afghanistan’s positive relationships, the U.S doesn’t believe that they will destroy their relationships as President Karzai relies upon American aid to sustain his power as well as Afghan stability.
Connection
U.S employs multiple ways of implementing foreign policy - economically, military, diplomacy. In the case of Afghanistan, all three are implemented, with U.S military and economic aid and diplomatic dialogues. Nevertheless, discontent with American presence in Afghanistan is palpable, as President Karzai demonstrates through his increasingly more bold tirades.
Reflection
American military presence in the Middle East inciting discontent is old news. With an already short-tempered population, any U.S missteps can cause uproars resulting in violence and more deaths. Thus, President Karzai's condemnation of U.S is unsurprising, perhaps even mild, compared to the reaction of the public toward the slaughter of their fellow countrymen. However, U.S should not be discouraged by the public reaction and withdraw troops abruptly, as without U.S protection, Karzai will most likely loose power to other contenders, such as the Taliban.
Elections/campaigns
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/santorum-says-voters-might-as-well-re-elect-obama-because-romney-offers-little-difference/2012/03/22/gIQAP8ISUS_story.html
Summary
Recently, Republican G.O.P contender, Rick Santorum made a misstep, announcing that that he'd rather have Obama win over Romney since both share similar viewpoints. He is now finding himself explaining for his error, insisting that he'll support the G.O.P, whoever it may end up being. This is not the first mistake Santorum has made recently, as he also previously stated that he has more important issues now than the national economy. As the Republican party are experiencing intra-party warfare between the candidates, Obama has taken the momentum in Louisiana, highlighting the Trayvon Martin shooting that has instigated criticism.
Connection
The “feeding frenzy” of the media is at it again, dissecting every action and enlarging the blunders of the presidential candidates. The internal division created through the “mud-slinging” of the Republican contestants have been made it the focus in media as well, creating the perfect slew of entertainment, at the cost of lost popularity, both within the Republican party and with the Republican supporters, for Santorum.
Reflection
Even though Santorum has attempted to rectify what he really “meant”, he will be unable to catch up with Romney at this point. With Romney's overwhelming lead in vote, whatever attack Santorum fires at Romney has no hope of reversing the race now. However, the attacks that Santorum directs at Romney will definitely have adverse effects on the party, and most likely, will send Obama the votes that had the potential of going to the Republican candidate.
Summary
Recently, Republican G.O.P contender, Rick Santorum made a misstep, announcing that that he'd rather have Obama win over Romney since both share similar viewpoints. He is now finding himself explaining for his error, insisting that he'll support the G.O.P, whoever it may end up being. This is not the first mistake Santorum has made recently, as he also previously stated that he has more important issues now than the national economy. As the Republican party are experiencing intra-party warfare between the candidates, Obama has taken the momentum in Louisiana, highlighting the Trayvon Martin shooting that has instigated criticism.
Connection
The “feeding frenzy” of the media is at it again, dissecting every action and enlarging the blunders of the presidential candidates. The internal division created through the “mud-slinging” of the Republican contestants have been made it the focus in media as well, creating the perfect slew of entertainment, at the cost of lost popularity, both within the Republican party and with the Republican supporters, for Santorum.
Reflection
Even though Santorum has attempted to rectify what he really “meant”, he will be unable to catch up with Romney at this point. With Romney's overwhelming lead in vote, whatever attack Santorum fires at Romney has no hope of reversing the race now. However, the attacks that Santorum directs at Romney will definitely have adverse effects on the party, and most likely, will send Obama the votes that had the potential of going to the Republican candidate.
Political parties
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/house-centerpiece-jobs-bill-becomes-gop-headache-thanks-in-part-to-tea-party-conservatives/2012/03/23/gIQA7jYFVS_story.html
Summary:
The Republican dominated House, lead by Speaker, John Boehner and Democratic dominated Senate, led by Harry Reid have met yet another impasse. The Republican party, despite for being the original proposer for the transportation bill, have been met with a problem that will lead to a shutdown if the problem is not resolved by March 31st, when the authority to draw from funds to support road construction ends. While Boehner is trying to recruit representatives to support the funding, Tea-Party members, advocates of giving states the power of funding transportation have opposed. However, Boehner is also reluctant to take the bill passed by the Senate for $101 billion funding. If the current situation were to be unresolved, then millions employed in the road-construction business will be unemployed.
Connection
Impasse, or gridlock, occurs frequently when partisan divisions prevent problems from being resolved. The Republican's internal divisions, between the more radical Tea-Party members and moderates, are causing the program proposed to increase employment into a program that must eventually result in unemployment, if the funding for road construction is not extended. A similar occurrence occurred during 2011, when the government almost underwent lock-down due to the inability to reach a compromise when the debt ceiling was met.
Reflection
If the Republican Party is unable to reach a solution within the Senate with come to a compromise with the Senate, then it will jeopardize not only its public image but also votes. As seen in the presidential race, the attacks exchanged by the candidates has already decreased their popular support. If the bipartisan agenda of the Republican Party leads to the stagnation in road-construction nation-wide, resulting in unemployment of millions employed in the transportation services, then the party image will definitely suffer.
Summary:
The Republican dominated House, lead by Speaker, John Boehner and Democratic dominated Senate, led by Harry Reid have met yet another impasse. The Republican party, despite for being the original proposer for the transportation bill, have been met with a problem that will lead to a shutdown if the problem is not resolved by March 31st, when the authority to draw from funds to support road construction ends. While Boehner is trying to recruit representatives to support the funding, Tea-Party members, advocates of giving states the power of funding transportation have opposed. However, Boehner is also reluctant to take the bill passed by the Senate for $101 billion funding. If the current situation were to be unresolved, then millions employed in the road-construction business will be unemployed.
Connection
Impasse, or gridlock, occurs frequently when partisan divisions prevent problems from being resolved. The Republican's internal divisions, between the more radical Tea-Party members and moderates, are causing the program proposed to increase employment into a program that must eventually result in unemployment, if the funding for road construction is not extended. A similar occurrence occurred during 2011, when the government almost underwent lock-down due to the inability to reach a compromise when the debt ceiling was met.
Reflection
If the Republican Party is unable to reach a solution within the Senate with come to a compromise with the Senate, then it will jeopardize not only its public image but also votes. As seen in the presidential race, the attacks exchanged by the candidates has already decreased their popular support. If the bipartisan agenda of the Republican Party leads to the stagnation in road-construction nation-wide, resulting in unemployment of millions employed in the transportation services, then the party image will definitely suffer.
Campaign Finance
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/19/obama-raised-45-million-for-re-election-in-february/?scp=4&sq=obama%20campaign%20finance&st=cse
Summary
In Febuary, Obama's fundraising campaign announced that Obama raised over $45 in that month alone which is a great increase compared to the $29.1 million he has raised in January. In comparison, Republican G.O.P candidates, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum, raised only $11.5 and $9 million, respectively. Though it appears that Romney and Santorum are greatly behind Obama, one of the reasons accounting for this is due to the fact that Obama is raising funds for both his primary election as well as general elections, whereas the two Republican candidates are raising money only for the primary.
Connection
Building the war chest is perhaps the most important task for a presidential candidate. Without sufficient funding, not matter how brilliant the candidate's plans are, he would be unable to gain support because every part of the campaigning process, from marketing to electioneering, requires money. In the recent past, the forced drop-out of many Republican G.O.P contestants can testify to the importance of having a expendable campaign fund.
Reflection
Obama's incredible ability at raising money is one of the main reasons for his success in 2008. His ads were ubiquitous, and thus, helped him gain facial recognition. Though the general elections have yet to start, Obama's continued prowess in raising funds is a good indicator of his possible success. If the Republican nominee is unable to match Obama's ability in gaining money, then he will lose at the starting line.
Summary
In Febuary, Obama's fundraising campaign announced that Obama raised over $45 in that month alone which is a great increase compared to the $29.1 million he has raised in January. In comparison, Republican G.O.P candidates, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum, raised only $11.5 and $9 million, respectively. Though it appears that Romney and Santorum are greatly behind Obama, one of the reasons accounting for this is due to the fact that Obama is raising funds for both his primary election as well as general elections, whereas the two Republican candidates are raising money only for the primary.
Connection
Building the war chest is perhaps the most important task for a presidential candidate. Without sufficient funding, not matter how brilliant the candidate's plans are, he would be unable to gain support because every part of the campaigning process, from marketing to electioneering, requires money. In the recent past, the forced drop-out of many Republican G.O.P contestants can testify to the importance of having a expendable campaign fund.
Reflection
Obama's incredible ability at raising money is one of the main reasons for his success in 2008. His ads were ubiquitous, and thus, helped him gain facial recognition. Though the general elections have yet to start, Obama's continued prowess in raising funds is a good indicator of his possible success. If the Republican nominee is unable to match Obama's ability in gaining money, then he will lose at the starting line.
Social security
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/paul-ryan-budget-proposal-sparks-criticism-from-both-democrats-gop/2012/03/21/gIQA4yjTSS_story.html
Summary
Proposed by Paul Ryan, the Republican House Budget has elicited many critisms from both Republicans and Democrats. The Budget Proposal is ambitious in its goals - eliminating governmental deficit by 2040. However, the means of attaining its goal, is not through both income tax increases and spending cuts but only spending cuts. Ryan proposes to resolve the federal deficit problem primarily through cutting costly entitlement programs such as Social Security, Medicare, Pell Grant, income-tax returns, food-stamps, and Medicaid. But other programs, such as defense spending, science programs, educational funds are also on the chopping block.
Connection
Whenever cuts in Social Security or Medicare occur, there will likely be a response from the retirees, whose welfare is dependent upon the funding of the programs. While Ryan's proposal, consisting of enormous budget cuts and no income tax increases to balance the federal budget, seems characteristic of Republican fiscal policy, he is ignoring the fact that the success of the party is dependent upon the electorates. In this case, by proposing to cut Social Security and Medicare funds, Ryan risks alienating the senior support for the Republican party.
Reflection
It is unsurprising that Ryan's aggressive proposal would face criticism from even his Republican peers. If his policy were to be implemented, the consequences would be outrageous, not only alienating senior voters, but also students, parents, the lower class, the middle class, and military personnel – essentially, all that's left is the wealthy class, and considering the population of the wealthy class, the Republican party's likelihood of gaining office would be low.
Summary
Proposed by Paul Ryan, the Republican House Budget has elicited many critisms from both Republicans and Democrats. The Budget Proposal is ambitious in its goals - eliminating governmental deficit by 2040. However, the means of attaining its goal, is not through both income tax increases and spending cuts but only spending cuts. Ryan proposes to resolve the federal deficit problem primarily through cutting costly entitlement programs such as Social Security, Medicare, Pell Grant, income-tax returns, food-stamps, and Medicaid. But other programs, such as defense spending, science programs, educational funds are also on the chopping block.
Connection
Whenever cuts in Social Security or Medicare occur, there will likely be a response from the retirees, whose welfare is dependent upon the funding of the programs. While Ryan's proposal, consisting of enormous budget cuts and no income tax increases to balance the federal budget, seems characteristic of Republican fiscal policy, he is ignoring the fact that the success of the party is dependent upon the electorates. In this case, by proposing to cut Social Security and Medicare funds, Ryan risks alienating the senior support for the Republican party.
Reflection
It is unsurprising that Ryan's aggressive proposal would face criticism from even his Republican peers. If his policy were to be implemented, the consequences would be outrageous, not only alienating senior voters, but also students, parents, the lower class, the middle class, and military personnel – essentially, all that's left is the wealthy class, and considering the population of the wealthy class, the Republican party's likelihood of gaining office would be low.
Federal budget
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/17/education/budget-cuts-threaten-access-to-college-placement-tests.html?scp=7&sq=federal%20budget&st=cse
Summary
Due to a recent federal budget cut, students around the nation planning to take Advanced Placement examinations will have to suffer. A dramatic decrease from the $43 million allotted to subsidize honors programs in the previous year, the $27 million set aside this year will make it harder for low-income students to take as many exams as they'd like. Complaints are heard from students, whose family will not provide the funds for them to take the AP tests and schools, who are struggling to absorb the fees themselves with an already reduced budget.
Connection
The Democratic Party has always been known for opposing budget cuts. Thus, it is surprising as to why the Obama administration would be cutting the federal subsidy for the A.P programs, especially with the general elections coming up. Being constituted of many highly-educated voter, education will unquestionably be a priority for many Democratic voters and thus, the budget cut in the educational sector is surprising.
Reflection
While I believe that the budget cut was likely a response to public disapproval of the ever-increasing federal deficit, helping Obama gear up for the general election, I am nevertheless, disappointed. I am disappointed to learn that the democratic system involves such trade-offs between votes and the quality of education. Furthermore, as audience of Obama's State of the Union speech, I am disapointed to learn that the promised improvements to be made education have yet to be realized – the budget cut from the A.P funding only serves to detract from the rigor of American education.
Summary
Due to a recent federal budget cut, students around the nation planning to take Advanced Placement examinations will have to suffer. A dramatic decrease from the $43 million allotted to subsidize honors programs in the previous year, the $27 million set aside this year will make it harder for low-income students to take as many exams as they'd like. Complaints are heard from students, whose family will not provide the funds for them to take the AP tests and schools, who are struggling to absorb the fees themselves with an already reduced budget.
Connection
The Democratic Party has always been known for opposing budget cuts. Thus, it is surprising as to why the Obama administration would be cutting the federal subsidy for the A.P programs, especially with the general elections coming up. Being constituted of many highly-educated voter, education will unquestionably be a priority for many Democratic voters and thus, the budget cut in the educational sector is surprising.
Reflection
While I believe that the budget cut was likely a response to public disapproval of the ever-increasing federal deficit, helping Obama gear up for the general election, I am nevertheless, disappointed. I am disappointed to learn that the democratic system involves such trade-offs between votes and the quality of education. Furthermore, as audience of Obama's State of the Union speech, I am disapointed to learn that the promised improvements to be made education have yet to be realized – the budget cut from the A.P funding only serves to detract from the rigor of American education.
Health Care
Health Care
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/19/health-care-debate-returns-with-intensity/?scp=1&sq=Health%20Care%20Debate%20Returns%20With%20Intensity&st=cse
Summary
As the governor of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney was responsible for the adoption of the state health care programs that required state residents to purchase health care. His act has targeted by his fellow opponents, Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich as being the underlying blueprint for Obamacare. With the Supreme Court hearing on the constitutionality of a federal health care on March 26th, the similarity between Romney’s health care and Obamacare is bring brought up again as other Republican presidential candidates use it to criticize Romney. Though Romney has tried to deflect criticisms by distinguishing the Massachusetts health care from Obamacare and explicitlytating that he will repeal Obamacare, crcriticismstill follow.
Connection
The Supreme Court ruling on the constitutionality of government mandated healthcare will likely determine the fate of Obamacare. However, debate between both parties over the healthcare will most likely persist and possibly revive in later years. Supreme Court rulings, while are upheld by law, rarely go unchallenged. For instance, decades after the ruling that abortion is legal as it is a privacy right through Roe v. Wade, the Republican party is still touting anti-abortion agenda.
Reflection
Romney's similarity with Obama with respect to healthcare and other measures will most likely be used by other Republican candidates as fuel for attacks. Until now, Romney's popularity has won him the number one position among the Republican candidates. However, it'd be interesting to find out whether his similarities with Obama will be an advantage in the general elections, winning him votes from moderates, or an disadvantage, causing him to lose votes from Republicans.
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/19/health-care-debate-returns-with-intensity/?scp=1&sq=Health%20Care%20Debate%20Returns%20With%20Intensity&st=cse
Summary
As the governor of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney was responsible for the adoption of the state health care programs that required state residents to purchase health care. His act has targeted by his fellow opponents, Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich as being the underlying blueprint for Obamacare. With the Supreme Court hearing on the constitutionality of a federal health care on March 26th, the similarity between Romney’s health care and Obamacare is bring brought up again as other Republican presidential candidates use it to criticize Romney. Though Romney has tried to deflect criticisms by distinguishing the Massachusetts health care from Obamacare and explicitlytating that he will repeal Obamacare, crcriticismstill follow.
Connection
The Supreme Court ruling on the constitutionality of government mandated healthcare will likely determine the fate of Obamacare. However, debate between both parties over the healthcare will most likely persist and possibly revive in later years. Supreme Court rulings, while are upheld by law, rarely go unchallenged. For instance, decades after the ruling that abortion is legal as it is a privacy right through Roe v. Wade, the Republican party is still touting anti-abortion agenda.
Reflection
Romney's similarity with Obama with respect to healthcare and other measures will most likely be used by other Republican candidates as fuel for attacks. Until now, Romney's popularity has won him the number one position among the Republican candidates. However, it'd be interesting to find out whether his similarities with Obama will be an advantage in the general elections, winning him votes from moderates, or an disadvantage, causing him to lose votes from Republicans.
Taxes
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/17/opinion/a-republican-talks-sense-on-taxes.html?scp=5&sq=taxes&st=cse
Summary:
Diverting from the Republican norm of proposing tax cuts for the wealthy, Republican Representative Rick Crawford from Arkansas has instead, proposed a tax increase. Crawford has expressed his opinion that to reduce the federal deficit, not only should federal spending be cut but revenue tax should also increase for those with annual income over one million. Though his action might be primarily targeted to win votes as he faces stark competition from Democrats, he was condemned by Grover Norquist, a fellow Republican, who claimes that he betrayed the no-new-tax pledge. So far, Crawford is the only Republican who has supported tax increase for the rich.
Connection
The Republican party is associated with being a proponent of spending within budget but only at the cost of spending cuts rather than through tax increases. Moreover, many Republicans, such as the former Republican G.O.P candidate, Herman Cain has favored a flat-tax system, advocating the same tax rate for all or more extremely, regressive tax system, favoring lower tax for the rich and more tax for the middle to low income classes. Crawford's act of proposing a progressive tax rate, a tax increase on the rich, is uncharacteristic of a Republican and was probably the reason for the criticisms.
Reflection
It is regretful that politicians are judged more based upon their party loyalty by their peers rather than the merit of their proposals. If the fiscal policy was strictly Republican, then the middle and low class would suffer from massive entitlement program cuts and taxes while the rich profit from tax breaks. If the fiscal policy was strictly Democratic, then the federal deficit will forever increase, due to the extravagant government expenditures. Crawford's plan of combining elements from both party strategies seem feasible, yet unfortunately, it will probably never be enacted due to oppositions within his party.
Summary:
Diverting from the Republican norm of proposing tax cuts for the wealthy, Republican Representative Rick Crawford from Arkansas has instead, proposed a tax increase. Crawford has expressed his opinion that to reduce the federal deficit, not only should federal spending be cut but revenue tax should also increase for those with annual income over one million. Though his action might be primarily targeted to win votes as he faces stark competition from Democrats, he was condemned by Grover Norquist, a fellow Republican, who claimes that he betrayed the no-new-tax pledge. So far, Crawford is the only Republican who has supported tax increase for the rich.
Connection
The Republican party is associated with being a proponent of spending within budget but only at the cost of spending cuts rather than through tax increases. Moreover, many Republicans, such as the former Republican G.O.P candidate, Herman Cain has favored a flat-tax system, advocating the same tax rate for all or more extremely, regressive tax system, favoring lower tax for the rich and more tax for the middle to low income classes. Crawford's act of proposing a progressive tax rate, a tax increase on the rich, is uncharacteristic of a Republican and was probably the reason for the criticisms.
Reflection
It is regretful that politicians are judged more based upon their party loyalty by their peers rather than the merit of their proposals. If the fiscal policy was strictly Republican, then the middle and low class would suffer from massive entitlement program cuts and taxes while the rich profit from tax breaks. If the fiscal policy was strictly Democratic, then the federal deficit will forever increase, due to the extravagant government expenditures. Crawford's plan of combining elements from both party strategies seem feasible, yet unfortunately, it will probably never be enacted due to oppositions within his party.
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