Assignment #5 T Gombar

George F. Will wrote “Will: The continuing fall of federalism” for the Washington Post. I believe this article was written to inform people of the changes that Senator Russ Feingold is trying to make to the 17th Amendment, and also to convince readers that this is a very bad thing. The author is clearly against this idea, because the article is very one sided, even insulting to the Senator.

The argument that he is trying to make is that making these changes pushes us farther away from the original intention of the Constitution, which also pushes us farther away from federalism.

Tara Gombar

Assignment #5 D.Duryee

This article entitled, "The Continuing Fall of Federalism", was written by George Will for The Wasington Post. Mr. Will wrote this article to express his view on Wisconsin Senator Feingold's attempt to amend the 17th Amendment to the Constitution. Which sets parameters on how Senators are to be elected by popular vote instead of being chosen by state legislatures. In Feinglod's bill he wanted the language changed so that in the event of a vacancy of a Senate seat the replacement would be chosen in a popular election, rather than temporarily filled by a govenor. This article is aimed at people who want the current form of the Constitution to stay the way it was meant to be when it was written by the framers.

What Mr. Will is trying to explain is that lawmakers are slowly changing the meaning of the Constitution away from what it was originally suppose to mean. Within the Constitution there is a system built in that checks and balances the powers of the government and addresses the relationship that the federal government and state governments will have. Mr. Will believes that by changing these checks takes away from the original intent of the Constitution and puts too much of the responsibility on popular vote. He says in the article that this is slowly chipping away at a federalist based system that helped keep everything in check. e says in the article that originally the Senate seats were filled by state legislatures, the House seats by popular election, and the executive branch by the electoral college. He believes that by putting more of the power of election of national government in the hands of the people, it takes away from the power and check on power of the federal government.

Assignment#5-M.Metcalf

This article was written by George Will. The article appeared in the Washington Post, so it was probably viewed nationally and possibly internationally. It was written to show the different issues concerning the election and appointment of Senators. It is directed toward all readers; in an attempt to show the basic reasoning for the original proposals of selection of Senators and the separation of powers in the Federal government.

The basic argument that the author wants to make is that there is a new proposal to correct the way that Senators are appointed after a vacancy in their state. The new proposal calls for the election of Senators when ever there is a vacancy. The author wants to show that by not going back to the old way—the way that the framers laid out—federalism is being further destroyed. And that the ground the states had is being further weakened. The author points out that when the state legislators chose the national Senators, the system of checks and balances was stronger. Stronger because these Senators were more inclined to act out the will of the state, and the state legislator and not the will of special interest groups.

Assignment #5TPage

The article, "Will:The continuing fall of Federalism", was written by George F. Will and was featured in the Washington Post. The articel talks about Sen. Russ Feingold, trying to ammend the consitution, speciafically the sevententh ammendment. The seventeenth ammendement, stipulates popular election of senators this gives the states an importatnt role in determining the composition of the federal government. The state can put a temp. senator, until an official senator has been elected, and Feingold suggest that the temp. should be elected buy the people.

I think that Will wrote this to inform us about how some people in the government are trying to pull the government away from the vision the framers had.

Assignment #4 wchavis

The article "States & Cities in Scamble for Stimulus Cash" by Monica Davey was very interesting. It does describe a lot of things that we will need to change now and in the future. Hopefully by Obama signing the legislation mentioned in the article, it will actually keep its promise by allowing 14,000 jobs in Missouri for transportation. To include to the need of stimulus cash Pembroke Pines, Florida has what they call a wish list for their sewer systems. I would have to agree with Kevin Elsenheimer by saying that the U.S. has more of plans than money to fund for it; however, I really do not expect this country to recover with a blank of an eye. I believe that our plans are good. It is a good thing that we plan ahead although everything does not go accordingly.

Assignment #4 LFraser

The article "States and Cities in Scramble for Stimulus Cash" was written by Monica Davey of the New York Times. This article is directed to all those who will be affected by the stimulus plan. This article discusses and describes how different states are responding to the idea of the stimulus plan. It is a large amount of money and "governors to small-town mayors say they are only now beginning to grasp. And while states will have direct say on the use of much of the money--especially on infrastructure projects like roads and bridges--many spending decisions will still rest with officials hundreds of miles away in Washington." However, states have many questions "on matters like how much discretion states will have, how the money will be transferred and how it must be tracked." 

The way the stimulus plan will effect each state is sure to vary, and there are still many questions, however I would guess that most people are very interested in seeing how this will all play out. 

Attendence

Mr. Whisonant,
I tried to email you but everytime I do you never respond back, so I figured you would be more likely to do so if it were on the blog. I was just wanting to know how many days I have missed in your class. Thanks you.

Mhutcheson assignment #4

The article "States and Cities in Scramble for Stimulus Cash written by Monica Davey for the New York Times, is discussing how states and cities are going to delve into the funds from President Obama's stimulus bill.  The article was most likely written for the readership of the New York Times, but I also saw it show up on Yahoo! News.  

The article is discussing the political game that will take place for the funds of the stimulus bill.  The game will be played by states vs. other states, and presumably the cities in those vary states.  The political jockeying is already occuring, with Governor Sanford of South Carolina saying he will refuse some or all of the funds, and Governor Schwarezenger of California saying he will take any money from Governors or Mayors who refuse the money to help combat his states massive budget shortfall.  Governors in Georgia and other states have infrastructure projects ready to go awaiting funds. North Carolina and Arkansas Governors are worried about education funding.  The list goes on and on of the games being played for the stimulus funds, only time will tell who gets what.

Assignment #5 S. Blackwelder

In the article "States and Cities in Scramble for Stimulus," Monica Davey writes about the newly passing of the stimulus package. This article appeared in the New York Times on February 16th, 2009.

When President Obama passed the stimulus, many state and city officials did not know where to send the money first. With so many people unemployed, much of the money is being focused on employing the unemployed. In smaller cities, it is easier to gear the money towards employment since property is less.

This article is aimed towards the American citizen population in order to inform where and how the stimulus money is being used.

Assignment # 4 ECapps

Monica Davey wrote "States and Cities in Scramble for Stimulus Cash" for the NYTimes. It is an article about the problems America's government is having with President Obama's Stimulus Package. It seems as though there is high tension for each state when it comes to figuring out how much money and for what projects the stimulus money will be spent on. Monica's article gives examples of a few states and the challenges they are faced with in dealing with stimulus money decisions. There is great debate in the need to spend the money on transportation, education, medicaid, and infrastructure projects. Yet, one thing is certain, whatever is done should be done fast so that the money is put into our economy as soon as possible.
I think the question is, can America's government and politicians get things organized and swiftly figured out so that the Stimulus Package does what it was intended to do and help America's sinking economy before it is too late.

Assignment #4, J. Helms

The article "States and Cities in Scramble for Stimulus Cash," by Monica Davey, was published in the NYTimes. This article is about the problems with the stimulus once it gets passed and how the government will handle the disbursement of it. I believe that this article is written to inform the tax payers of how they may be affected by the stimulus package. The basic argument is that each state has its own needs for the money and they are competing with the other states to get their share to be able to do their own projects. Also, each state is competing against itself on who is going to handle the money and what the money is going to be spent on. Everyone has their own opinions on how it should be spent.

Assignment#4 JHUNTER

The article, by Monica Davey of the New York Times, "States and Cities Scramble for Stimulus Cash", touched on how the country's cities and states, big and small, were lining up to spend the the stimulus money. It is crucial for the areas to receive the money to possibly help out with their yearly budgets, create jobs, assist schools, and fix roads which forever need it. Davey also speaks on how governors and our local mayors are jockeying for position with the stimulus cash not only because the have their constituents best interest in heart but because their very own job could come down to how many crumbs they can shake off the federal table to help them help themselves. Others are concerned with health care and how much is being set aside for Medicaid making sure they grab from the big pot with both hands as well. While others such as South Carolina's own governor is opposed to the plan saying it would only put more strain on the American taxpayer.

Davey's article is intended to paint the big picture of the stimulus deal. It's designed get the reader to think about the people and aspects of the package that maybe don't get as much light shed on them as the others. The individual states will have a say on how much of a piece of the pie is given to them, but the bulk of the responsibility will be in Washington because a deal of this magnitude must keep the errors to a minimum.

Assignment 4 Ben Nash

The article was written by Monica Davey of the New York Times and appeared in the February 16th edition. Reporting was contributed by Robbie Brown, Michael Cooper, David M. Herszenhorn and Robert Pear. The article was intended for the readership of the Times and anyone interested in the stimulus bill.
Although the stimulus bill has finally been passed into law, numerous obstacles must be overcome before the nation can begin to realize the benefit of the federal money. These range from the incompatibility of states policies and needs with the rules of the bill to good old fashioned political grandstanding (Gov. Sanford..hello?). The article serves to remind the public that the battle of the passage of the bill was just the beginning of the political fight.

Assignment #4 T Gombar

Monica Davey wrote the article “States and Cities in Scramble for Stimulus Cash” for the New York Times. I believe this article was written to inform the American people how the stimulus bill will work. There are positives and negatives. It will help states start projects creating thousands of new jobs. Some states already have a list of projects, which is good because this article states that in order for the bill to work the money will have to be put to use immediately. Some states will be getting more money than others though, which not everyone likes. The states with not as large of a deficit will not get as much money which is not necessarily “fair” to everyone. They feel like they will be penalized for not being as broke as other states.

I think the main objective of this article is just to let the people know how the money is going to be split up and that not everyone is on board with this plan but hopefully everyone will appreciate the outcome. In times like this new jobs are a very good thing, regardless of how we get them. Eventually the spending will come full circle, less people will be out of work, and less people will be losing their homes.

Tara Gombar

Assignment #4 M. Thrift

'States and Cities in Scramble for Stimulus Cash' by Monica Davey appeared in the NY Times.This article was most likely written to inform American citizens and people who want to know more about President Obama's economic stimulus plan.It discusses what the money in the stimulus package will be used for,and how the leaders of America are reacting to it.

The stimulus package gives money to help build roads and bridges,which will hopefully create jobs.For example,in Missouri,when transportation projects begin they are hoping to create 14,000 jobs. A big controversy in President Obama's plan is over how much money will be given to the education system.Some are wanting more money to go to schools in urban areas,others want more money to go to schools in rural areas.

The plan is not perfect but hopefully,in time,everything will even out and America will get out of the hard times its fallen on.

Assignment#4 M.Metcalf

This article was written by Monica Davey and contributed to by Robbie Brown, Michael Cooper, David M. Herszenhorn and Robert Pear. The article appeared in the New York Times, so that means it was probably read internationally. It was written to show that the stimulus has good sides and bad sides. The article shows that the bill is being drooled over in some places and frowned upon in others. The article is directed toward the average day citizen. It is an article that highlights the pros and the cons of the issue and the stimulus bill.

The basic argument that these authors want to make is that the stimulus bill has many great and ready to work stimulus plans. There are places in the country waiting with open arms to receive stimulus money so they can start on various programs. However the plan has a few negative parts and there are some state leaders that do not want to take any of the money. These leaders say that it will take some of their power and transfer it to the federal government, or cost the average tax payer too much money.

JDeVoll Assignment #4

In the news article "States and Cities in Scramble for Stimulus Cash" written by Monica Davey, she talks about the fight over the newly passed stimulus package. The article appeared in the New York Times and was written to show the American people what the plan is for spending the stimulus money. projects were already being planned long before the money was given to any particular thing. "Because the effectiveness of any stimulus plan depends on the money being quickly spent, whether state and local governments can work through the rules and resolve any disputes will have a large impact on the success Mr. Obama’s plan has in lifting the economy."

So now the question is, How will the money be distributed? Should most be given to road construction or to education or should it go towards health care? All over the country governors are re-writing there budgets to secure more money for future projects. And hopefully with the new stimulus bill and the budgets changes it will not be long before we see a change in the economy.

Assignment #4-D. Duryee

This article, "States and Cities in Scramble for Stimulus Cash", was written by Monica Davey for The New York Times. Ms. Davey wrote this article to inform people of the many strings attached to the new stimulus plan, and how the state and local governments are handling it. She is also stating why there is such a rush to get as much of the stimulus money as possible. This article is written to inform the general public who may not know the minute details of the stimulus bill and what decisions the state and local governments are having to make to get what they deem as their fair share of the package.

What Ms. Davey is basically trying to get across is the amount of political pressure being put on state and local governments to gain as much from this stimulus bill as possible for their state and local communities. Many of the states are having to modify their budgets to help them qualify for more of the money because if they are forced to pass up any of the money it will be distributed to others states that are deemed to need it more. She is also trying to push the point that alot of this money is still going to be distributed by the Federal government with many conditions applied toward how it is used. The article also points out that some state leaders believe that this bill is wasteful and claim they are going to avoid taking any of the money at all, in the belief that they are saving the taxpayers billions of dollars in money to be paid back. In all, this article is very informative as to the situation that this bill has put the state and local governments in and helps the general public understand the vast scale and things at stake with the distribution of this massive stimulus package.

David Duryee

Assignement #3

The article, "States and Cities in Scramble for Stimulus Cash", was written by Monica Davey, which was featured in the New York Times. The article talks about how the $787 billion from the stimulus plan is going to be spent. Much of the money will go to infrastructre programs to build roads and bridges, Medicad, and education. The states will have a grat say on how the money will be spent, though many of the spending decisions will rest upon the people from WASHINGTON. The local govoners and mayors from different states have been fighting about how the money will be spent. Though, many people are in favor of the stimulus plan, our govoner, Mark Standford is agianst it. Standford describes it as "pork-barrel spending and bad policy and vowing". Also, some states may miss out on some of the stimulus money if they do not have a deficet or if they have already started in such program. For example, Rhode Island might lose out on money when it comes to alternative energy, because they have already started building wind mills.

This article was written to bring the awarness tot he stimulus plan. Many people do not know what it is. Also they do not know about all the different debates going on with the plan on how the money is going to be spend. I know i did not, but now i am more informed about the stimulus plan.

Assignment #3 ECapps

The CQ Today Online News article, Trade-Offs in the Stimulus Package, by Madison Powers is about the best plan of action for our stimulus package. Powers explains this plan thoroughly and writes about the possibilities. Our economy can work on the larger more serious problems so that our economy can stay afloat while we work on fixing all our economic problems. Although, America is not in a depression, we are headed for one if something is not done to put us on the right track. This economic problem we are faced with today can not be solved quickly but it can be fixed if people take the proper actions. I think this article is targeted for everyone because it effects everyone. Perhaps if enough people know that the plan will work best if money is not horded but spent and put back into our economy then maybe that will help to make a positive outcome.

Assignment#3RNeal

Madison Powers authored the article “Trade-Off’s in the Stimulus Package” for The CQ Today,” explaining the positives and negatives of the nearly trillion dollar package to his readers. He attempts to detail in the simplest terms what the stimulus package is and how it is going to affect the economy. There is much speculation on what this package is going to do for financial sector of this country. With so much criticism, many representatives in congress are having trouble finding support in the package.  The media, as well, are being unclear as to what this package will do, and the author is trying to make the point that no one really knows what is in store ahead for this country and that we should all hope for the best.

Assignment#3 S.Blackwelder

In "Trade-Offs in the Stimulus Package," an article which appeared in CQ Politics, Madison Powers writes about the options happening for the upcoming stimulus package. In discussing these options, Powers goes on to describe the main choices that are available for the $1 trillion.
The first choice, using the money for all possible, or "milking it for what it's worth," is definitely a tempting option for those in power. This would include the raising of taxes and maintaining a healthy percentage of employment. This, however, would not benefit us. It would only improve the way we found ourselves in this rut.
Powers explains option #2: salvaging what's left. The predicament we have will not and cannot be fixed over night. Using the $1 trillion dollars for equity would not be the wisest thing to do, according to some. It's nice to have money saved and plans made, but when the things you are trying to help aren't going to last long enough to see the results of the equity, then drastic measures may be required.
This article is directed towards many, specifically those in power. It is important that they see future results of their decisions.

Assignment #3, J. Helms

The article "Trade-offs in Stimulus Package," by Madison Powers, was published on CQ Politics website on Feb. 4. This article was written to make people think about how the stimulus package is going to affect everyone. It's directed to everyone in the United States. The basic argument is between the big picture and the small picture. The big picture is putting money towards large projects such as infrastructure which includes transportation, road construction, building and repairing bridges, and other components that would be part of the economic recovery plan. This would also help create new jobs for people. The small picture is putting money towards the small projects with lasting significants as helping states and locals with budgets, assist in pension funds, keeping basic local services, and jobs.

Assignment #3 LFraser

"Trade-Offs in the Stimulus Package," is an article found on CQ TODAY ONLINE NEWS. This article was written by Madison Powers. In this article Powers writes to the all those who are interested in the economy about a couple trade-offs. "One trade off is between goals of efficiency and ideals of equity. The second is the need to strike a balance between infrastructure and other activities that also stimulate economic growth." One side believes that there should be wide-spread equity, while other believe that it is "better now to make sure that all boats don't sink than to insist upon creating a rising tide that will life all boats." 

This article discusses both sides of the trade-off very well. I, however, am drawn to what Powers says towards the end of this article. Powers says, "Thinking small is hard to sell, especially after we were exhorted to dream of big things of lasting significance. But a diffused approach to patching up many smaller leaks, unsexy and uninspiring as it is, is precisely what some economists think of as a new paradigm for spurring growth in developing nations."

MHutcheson Assignment 3

The article written by Madison Powers who is a guest columnist for CQ online magazine is intended for people with above average political prowess.  Powers goes into great detail explaining things with the economic stimulus while also explaining some tradeoffs involved to get the current deal.  While I count myself in the group of citizens who has doubts about this plan, Mr. Powers did a wonderful job doing what most people have been craving - giving information on what this plan will do for the economy.

This article did alot for me in explaining why this stimulus is needed as well as how it will benefit.  there are some issues in this country that you can't wait to roll the dice on.  The economy is certainly is one of them.  While I may not be in agreement with some of it's points, the article did exactly what the writer intended it to do; inform the reader of his opinion of why its necessary.

Article 3. B. Nash

This article was written by Madison Powers, who is a Senior Research Scholar at the Kennedy Institute of Ethics at Georgetown University. He is also a guest columnist for CQ politics, the website on which the article was posted. The article was written for the readership of CQ Politics and the public in general should they happen across it. It was written for people that already have a higher than average political IQ, as the average person wouldn't have CQ bookmarked or added to favorites.
Mr. Powers briefly touches on the competing ideologies regarding the most effective means of stimulating the economy (now a moot point in all but the "I didn't vote for it" circles as the stimulus bill has just cleared its last legislative hurdle and will be signed into law on Monday.) The author makes the point that the government should look for the best way to yield the quickest results in stimulating the economy. We should look for plans that give us the most “bang for our buck” regardless of the fact that they may not be the highest in profile.

Assignment #3 M. Thrift

Madison Powers wrote Trade-Offs In the Stimulus Package for the CQ Today Online News on Febuary 4, 2009.

In the article, Powers discusses some major trade-offs involved with the new economic stimulus plan. He goes in to great detail about the plan, and explains things very well. Many people are hoping that expanding infrastructure and by encouraging the American People to spend money, the economy will be stimulated and start on the road to recovery. While the economy is not in as bad of a situation as it was with the Great Depression, America could see another Depression if something is not done to fix the economy. But people must realize that the economic problems in this country will not be solved overnight.

A big concern that many people have is if the plan will really work. Some people say that it's a terrible idea for America to borrow money when it is already in debt. Other people say that if the American People are given money (estiamted at an extra $13 a week) then they might not spend it,and that would cause a lot of problems. While those concerns are legitimate, it is important to be optimistic and not give up on the plan before it has even been put in to action.

Assignment#3 JHUNTER

Madison Powers article, Trade-Offs in the Stimulus Package, on the CQ Today Online News asks the question on which is the best direction we should go with the bailout money. He sites two major reasons: equity-efficiency and a balance between infrastructure and other activities to stimulate economic growth. The equity-efficiency route, is designed to fixed the gaping holes that is effecting our economy because the state that we are in now the problems areas are numerous and if we work on the really crippling problems we can keep the economy afloat and live to fight another day which would hopefully give us time to figure this thing out completely. The infrastructure approach is the designed to fix the core of our economy, really examine why go through these bouts of recession/ depression and fix them. This route is looked at as time consuming and many feel that's time we don't have, as we are in dire need now and this long term approach frankly may not work after the time and money is invested.

Powers article is very good. Its geared for to everyone because it will directly affect everyone. His points are clearly stated and towards the end he showed his hand that he thinks we should go with the plan that would patch the economy to keep us going. Even though I like the idea of us taking our time and finding the root problem of our economic valleys, if pressed I would say keep us afloat so we live to fight another day and get it right down the road when the risk are much lower.

Assignment #3 T Gombar

Madison Powers wrote the article “Trade-Offs in the Stimulus Package” for CQPolitics.com. He is a Senior Research Scholar at the Kennedy Institute of Ethics for Georgetown University. I believe this article was written to help explain the stimulus package in a way that is more understandable for the American people who may not be very savvy when it comes to politics. Some news channels and other articles are so vague when it comes to exactly what this stimulus bill will do exactly. I thought this article was very well written and helped me understand a little bit more, of what this will do.

I think this article will also to let people know that this bill is not going to produce an immediate change. These will be small changes that will begin to put America in the right direction, but this will not fix everything. Hopefully, this is the beginning and the worst is behind us. We can only wait and see what the outcome will be, because no one can say for sure what will happen.

Tara Gombar

Assignment#3 M.Metcalf

This article was written by Madison Powers. It appeared in CQ politics, I think is an online magazine sort of publication. This article was written to show the different sides, views, and affects the current stimulus could have on the economy. This article is directed toward all people. It is done to inform people of the complexities of the economic issues.

The basic argument that the author wants to make is that there are different arguments on either side of the debate, but that both sides agree that some governmental intervention is needed. The author then detailed the different sided arguments and the dollar amount that each argument could potentially generate. The author then went on to describe how all people should not be looking for New Deal programs, but different programs— whose ideas are based on New Deal programs.

JDeVoll Assignment #3

The article "Trade-Offs in the Stimulus Package" appeared in CQ Politics and was written by Madison Powers. It was written as way of helping the American people understand what the stimulus Package is and what would it best be used for.

The point the writer is trying to make is that however the stimulus package is used, it needs to fix the small problems first in order to fix the big problems. If you leave the several small projects untouched; focusing only on the few big project, the economy will come out in even more trouble than it is now.

Assignment #3, TPage

Madison Powers wrote the article, Trade-Offs in the Stimulas Plan. The artile appeared in CQ Today Online News. The article talks about the many different trade offs within the stimuls plan. In this article, Powers's tries to explain what the stimlas package is all about, to the American citizens who have no clue what it is. For example me, though, I still do not fully understand.
In the aritlce he states two important trade offs , "One trade-off is between goals of efficiency and ideals of equity. The second is the need to strike a balance between infrastructure and other activities that also stimulate economic growth". It then gives the view that each political party has on the plan. He thinks that we should give more of the money to small projects, it will have a longer, more positive effect on the economy in the long run. I totally agree with him on this. If we do that, we will have a more balanced econmy and maybe our middle class will increase by doing this.

Assignment #3 - D.Duryee

This article, "Trade-offs in the Stimulus Package", was written by Madison Powers for the website Congressional Quarterly Today Online News. Mr. Powers wrote this article in an attempt to explain the inevitable trade-offs that were going to occur in the debate and formation of this bill. He wrote this to inform those people that are trying to figure out what this stimulus package is all about.

Mr. Powers is addressing two different trade-offs that he considers the most important, the balance between equity and efficiency and the balance between building infrastructure and smaller projects that will stimulate the economy. His basic argument in the equity-efficiency trade-off is that in a time when the economy as a whole is spiraling downward we need to put the equity on the back burner and get the most return on the government money as possible. He says that yes it would be nice to have it fairly doled out, but in this economic climate getting the most out of our money should take top priority. His view on the infrastructure-smaller projects trade-off clearly states that in order to fix all the different problems that we are having we need to fund the smaller projects and more of them as opposed to the large projects that we would only be able to do a few of. What he is trying to get across is that if we take the money and invest it in all the small parts of the economy that are failing, we will see a more balanced and long-lasting effect on the economy as a whole. Mr. Powers is hitting on the fact that just putting a big patch on a few holes isn't going to stop the leak, but putting a small patch on all the small holes will fix the problem and prevent it from bursting back open if the economy gets rough again.

David Duryee

Assignment#2RNeal

Cindi Ross Scoppe authored the article “Government has to make choices families, businesses don’t” for The State to convey a sense of just how dismal the economic outlook is and that the public should avoid hastily making conclusions on the best plan of action. The author states different possible solutions, with each having negatives and positives. The question for the people then becomes “which plan offers the best possible outcome for the majority of Americans?” Which plan will result in less unemployment and home foreclosures?

 Ms. Scoppe is writing to remind her audience of the huge gravity and future implications of any government decision, and that this deliberation is not as cut and dry as the typical decisions of a family unit. Decisions made in a microeconomy, such as a household, do not typically affect one’s neighbors or peers. Although, a federal budget cut can affect the entire population and is bound to be more beneficial for some than for others. 

Assignment #2 Sara Blackwelder

In "Scoppe: Government has to make choices families, businesses don't," an article which appeared on South Carolina's home page, thestate.com, written by Cindi Ross Scoppe, is aimed towards the individuals of South Carolina.

In this article, Scoppe writes about the budget of South Carolina and how our government is choosing to use the money wisely. Within the budget of South Carolina, education has a certain amount of money that is put away for lottery money, public school funds such as books, desks and teachers. Our government is having to make many choices that will affect them as well. Small businesses are losing money, along with bigger businesses alike. What many people do not realize is the tug of the state revenue and the many possibilities of losing it in many ways that will affect our state population directly.

Scoppe's article expresses the "danger" our state is in as far as budget goes. Our government is having to make major choices that will hinder or help those in need.

Assignment #2, J.Helms

The article "Scoppe: Government has to make choices families and businesses don't," by, Cindi Ross Scoppe, was published in The State. This article was written to compare between families and businesses to the state government on spending money when there is a shortage on money. Families will cut back on spending and be more frugal. Businesses will cut back on jobs and expenditures. The government has a big decision to make when it comes to spending money. The government's job is to look out for the best interest of the people. Since South Carolina cannot have a deficit, the choice has to be made to either raise or reduce taxes. The question is: should the state government raise taxes to be able to spend on local purchases and state salaries, or reduce taxes to put more money in people's hands? Cutting taxes will also reduce government spending, which would cause more people to lose their jobs. The bottom line is, people will lose their jobs whether the government raises or reduces taxes.

Assignment #2 ECapps

Cindi Ross Scoppe, associate editor of The State.com posted "Government has to make choices families, businesses don't" Jan. 22, 2009. This article shows the complicated situation our government is in. They must weigh the better of several evils so to speak. The question is, does our economy benefit more from raising taxes or cutting taxes. Should we take from the individual families and give more to the government or should we take from the government to give to the individual families? Both scenarios have good and bad outcomes but our government has to try to figure out witch is for the betterment of our united nation, they must do what is best for our society as a whole. People are nervous with the buzz of our economic situation and job losses. There is a great impulse to hoard instead of continue spending. There is also the issue of what can be cut. Should college students suffer so k-12 can be more productive? These are issues Cindi Ross Scoppe wants to everyone in America to take note of and take into consideration. Then perhaps we can rationalize what the best decision is for our economic future.

Assignment 2 B Nash

This article appeared on the website The State.com on 1/22/2009 and was posted by associate editor CINDI ROSS SCOPPE. The article was intended for the public, lawmakers, or anyone else with access to the internet and specifically worded search engine query. The article was posted around the same time that word of South Carolina’s financial woes was reaching a national audience and addresses the reactionary analogies that are invariably bandied about in a situation such as this.
Ms. Scoppe’s argument is that although it is easy to draw analogies between government spending and a business/family budget, the immense scope of a government’s responsibilities will render any analogy moot. Although a sense of community is ideal, a single family ultimately must take care of themselves first. A business needs only to make decisions that benefit shareholders and the bottom line and don’t necessarily have a larger responsibility (again, in an ideal world they should). Government responsibility is to its citizens (all of them) and in this you find competing needs that still merit consideration. This means that although it’s easy to throw out a quick analogy, reality is not quite so tidy.

Assignment #2- J.DeVoll

In the article "Government has to make choices families, businesses don’t" written by Cindi Ross Scoppe, the issues of our economic spending it is brought to the attention of all American citizens. The article that appeared in "The State" shows that the government is trying to make the best decision. Whatever that decision is it will affect everyone in a different way. The results will be different for each person and each business. How it affects the families, reflects the way it will affect businesses.

Assignment#2-M.Metcalf

This article was written by Cindi Ross Scoppe. It appeared in Columbia’s newspaper: The State. This article was written to show the complexity of the issues, that the government is facing in trying to find a course of action to take during this recession. This article is directed toward all people. It is done so that people are aware that each decision has an upside and downside.
The argument that the author wants to make is that the governments should be making the decisions on how to fix the economic problem facing the country. This is a problem that is out of the hands of the average citizen and only government can solve the problems we face. The author also wants every reader to understand that if a decision is made, and whatever that decision is; there will be some positive effects and some negative. No decision is superlative or perfect.

Assignment#2 JHUNTER

The article by Cindi Ross Scoppe of www.thestate.com, was written to shed light on the choices big government has to make that we as individuals don't have to. The writer points out that balancing act that the government makes with budgets, and questions would lighter taxes, which puts more money in peoples pockets, actually promote domestic spending or have us line the pockets of our competition. The government has a far greater responsibility of providing services that are for the good of society as a whole. She's not saying that government planning/spending doesn't run a muck, which we all know it does, but that we are inclined to believe that elected officials would focus on the needs of society as opposed to the wants that individuals are more likely to indulge in. I think her audience for this article is the voting age public, as they are the ones who going to be making these tough decisions and putting the individuals in place to make them.

Scoppe raises the important question on do we borrow tomorrow's money for problems of today which would have a short term benefit but would leave our children fiscally strapped to deal with a mess we created. The answer to questions like theses are tough so the answers to them will be complex. There is no one path that we are going to take to bail us out but rather several. Scoppe writes only that risk that the government has with these decisions can bring down the community as a whole and we as families and/or businesses only pose immediate danger to ourselves.

Assignment # 2-D.Duryee

This article was written by Cindi Scoppe for the state news website thestate.com. She wrote this article in response to the controversial budget cuts that the state is making in this troubling economic time. She is explaining all the questions that the government is having to face right now, and trying to make it easier for the reader to understand what it is that is really being fought over.

What Ms. Scoppe is trying to explain to the readers of this article is that it is easy for us to try and compare the huge budget shortfalls to our own economic trials, but in the end the government faces decisions that effect far more people in many different ways. The difficulty for the state legislature is to decide what programs are going to get cut or reduced and which of these programs need the money to keep at least some of the economy running. She says in the article that the state government doesn't have a choice to run a deficit, they have to make everything balance and that requires some tightening of the belt. It is not easy for them to decide which programs will get cut and which will not because either way it will have some kind of negative effect on the state economy which can lead to even more cuts next year. Thus, the government has a hard job in deciding what to do, and where the little bit of money they do have is going to go, and this cannot all be decided by doing what a family or business does in their economically difficult times.

David Duryee

Assignment #2 LFraser

"Scoppe: Government has to make choices families, businesses don't" is an article on South Carolina's home page, TheState.com. This article is written by Cindi Ross Scoppe, associate editor.  In this article Scoppe addresses the economic state of America. Scoppe beings this article by saying that, "One of the favorite devices for people trying to make a point about government spending is to compare government to families or businesses." She continues to say that while these have been useful points in the past, she is not sure that this will be the case this time. Thus, letting her readers, the American people, know that our economy is in a severe situation. Scoppe goes back and forth describing the different arguments that have been given. She then says, "I feel pretty certain that we ought to cut out pay raises in order to reduce layoffs ... And I'm inclined to think furloughs are less bad for the economy than layoffs, although even such relatively small salary reductions will make it impossible for some people to pay the mortgage, and will reduce everybody's spending." Scoppe closes by saying that "there are no easy answers here."

This article was written to let the American people know that, while there are no easy answers, something must be done. We can not continue to compare government spending to families and businesses. As Scoppe said, "government has obligations that businesses and individuals do not." I found this article very interesting as I read about possible solutions and their outcomes, however, I sense that Scoppe, as well as the rest of us, do not know what is the absolute best solution.

Assignment #2 T Gombar

Cindi Ross Scoppe wrote this article for the State.com. I believe this article was written to let people know just how bad things are, and to send a message to the people who make remarks such as well the government should just do this… but don’t think about all the different affects. She states very different scenarios each having a negative and a positive. The question is which negative is worse? Which negative will result in less people being laid off, or less people being foreclosed on?

I think she is trying to let people know that the government’s decisions are very different from day to day family decisions of just staying in for dinner because it’s cheaper than going out. Those decisions do not affect your neighbors or family members. However, a budget cut can affect several people, and not make everyone happy. I think the basic argument in this column is just that these problems are not just a simple fix, and regardless of the choices the government makes not everyone will benefit.

Tara Gombar

Ass. 2 TPage

Cindi Ross Scoppe, wrote this article, that was published in The State. This article was written to bring awarness to the present condition of our economy. It then compares our government spending to the spending of families and buisnesses, but in realistically, as the article points out, "government has obligations that businesses and individuals do not", therefore we can not compare its spending to that of a family or buisness.



The ariticle the goes thorught different examples of why government spending can not be compared to the spending of a business or person. For example, as idividuals, we keep spending if we have the means. Though, govenment can not keep spending because it has to look out for society as a whole. The article then goes on to the choices we have of what to do within our state, since we can not run a deficit. For example, raising taxes in state spending on salaries or local purchases, may not benefit as much as we think, because it will draw back less money for buisnesses. Or will cutting taxes out weight the draw back of reducing government spending?



The article gives us many examples of what needs to be done but on the other hand, she also talks about the negative effects that it will have on the economey while it is trying to help the situation out. In my opinion, I think she wrote the article so that society would have an understanding of what the government may do about spending and how it will effect us, with each different situation. No matter what we though, someone will be left out in the cold and our plan, whatever it may be, will not satisfy all.

Assignment #1 TPage

Thomas L. Friedman wrote this article, which was featured in the New York Times. In my opinion, Mr. Friedman writes about how far this immagrant country has come, since we now have a non white president, Barrack Obama. He also talks about how these bad economic times are the times when presidents can make big changes. Unlike Bush did, post 9/11. This article brings awarness to what is going on in our government and how Obama, with his radical views, can hopefully turn our nation aorund, in a positive way. This article is directed towards all American citizens.

assignment #1 LFraser

The article "Radical in the White House" is an article found in the New York Times that was written by Thomas L. Friedman. In this article Friedman writes to Americans about the importance of how far the United States has come with the recent inauguration of our first African-America president. However, Friedman states that "we cannot let this be the last mold we break, let alone the last big mission we accomplish. Now we have to overcome biography, we need to write some new history-- one that will reboot, revive and reinvigorate America." Friedman hopes that President Obama will "swing for the fences" whether it be "grand bargians on entitlement and immigration reform? A national health care system? A new clean-energy infrastructure?" or the "Nationalization and repair of our banking system?" Friedman ends by saying that while we have already made "a radical departure from our past" what we need now is to see now is "how much our future depends on a radical departure from our present."

I found this article very interesting, and sensed Friendman's feeling of bright hope for the future. I believe that more Americans need to feel Friendan's feeling of hope for the future, knowing there may be hard times, but that only means that there are hard times for Americans to overcome.

Assignment #1 - Michael Kirschbaum

In his article "Radical in the White House", Thomas L. Friedman voices his opinion about the necessary political/economical goals America must aim for to remain successful. To summarize, Friedman praises America for electing a black president, but also expresses that this radical advancement is not enough to get the country out of the present dilemma. Friedman then repeats the notion that the American people must "buckle down" and accept change. In other words, those in command must best calculate how to rise from the current economic slump and retain an important global position by leading in the shift to a new energy source. I agree that these adjustments would bring about a radical change, especially after the energy shift, but it doesn't seem that Friedman has put forward anything original in his essay. Americans are at this point fully aware that the country is in a dire economic situation and by joining in a single cause we can gradually rise from it. We've all been hearing this for an extended period of time now and although it all sounds very optimistic, it is also becoming very predictable. On the other hand, I realize that these ideas must be publicized to give Americans the sense that we will rise back to greatness, a feeling which is conveniently labeled as "hope".

Assignment #1 - RNeal

In an article written by New York Times op-ed columnist Thomas L. Friedman entitled “Radical in the White House,” Friedman stresses the importance of the newly elected President to the country and indeed the world.  He is writing to reassure the nation’s population, disenfranchised with the eight-year term of George W. Bush, that political leaders can indeed rise to the occasion and make sweeping reforms in, as the author said, a “stalemate” government.

 

The author is trying to parlay a sense of urgency to the public when he quotes Obama as saying “our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions — that time has surely passed.”  The American economy and our standing abroad cannot be allowed to disintegrate, which is what a government tired of the same leadership has allowed to happen.

 

Mr. Friedman is arguing that the time for America to make a radical departure from its previous ways is now, and Obama is our greatest hope for the future.  

Assignment #1, J. Helms

The article "Radical in the White House," by Thomas L. Friedman, was published in the New York Times on January 21, 2009. The article was written to bring awareness that our government has got to change and quit doing business as usual. The article is directed towards all American citizens, regardless of age, race, religion, or political affiliation. Its mentioned that Obama has connections with radicals and this may be a good thing. It may take a radical movement to wean this country from its old ways. We can no longer postpone solving problems and put off making unpleasant decisions. Our future depends on refining our politics. Its time to change from old ways to new ways to revitalize our economy and our country.

S. Blackwelder Assignment #1

The article "Radical in the White House," written by Thomas L. Friedman appeared in the New York Times on January 21st, 2009.

When I read this article for the first time, I saw it in a very harsh light. The more I read through it, the more I realized it wasn't coming down on just American citizens, but those in control of our government. It truly captures the past flaws of America by mentions of "letting go of our reputation," and the "postponing" of better solutions that were available to ease our national struggles.

Friedman wrote that he hopes Obama will treat this radical moment with radical decisions. I cannot disagree with Friedman. I would love to see the change that has been promised to us for quite a while now. I was very excited to see Obama stepping up to the plate days after his inauguration in order to make drastic changes.

This article was aimed toward American citizens and in a few ways, toward Barack Obama.

Assignment 1 MHutcheson

We have gone through an amazing transition in this country in a very short amount of time.  To think as President Obama said in his speech, an African American could not have ate lunch at the same counter as a caucasion, can go onto the highest office in the land is an Amazing thing.  But as the author- Thomas L. Friedman from the New York Times- said, this can not be "mission accomplished".  This can not be the time for America, who has always been on the cutting edge of alot of fantastic things, to say "mission accomplished". 

 The readership of this article, presumably the readership of the New York Times, should be actively engaged in this article.   This Article was meant to inspire; not just a fourty year old reader but also a 14 year old reader.  It was meant to make us the reader realize that we are no longer seeking more of the same old, same old.  Rather we need new original thoughts.  We need thoughts on all fronts: economically, socially, industrially, and scientifically to put credibility back in the United States.  

Assignment #1 ECapps

Thomas L. Friedman's article," Radical in the White House", in the New York Times was an attempt to warn the American people and perhaps president Obama himself of the importance that our new president has and the positive change he could bring to our country. Yes, we have made history by electing a black man as president but it can not stop there. America still has a long road ahead and we have a lot of important issues to figure out to put us back into a positive place. The question is, will president Obama and the American people use this positivity, excitement and hope to achieve a better future? History has shown the great accomplishments that can be achieved through historical change and if we can keep our heads up and motivate our new president and he motivate us we will have a bright and promising future for our country.

I feel that Friedman is trying to stress the importance of this historical moment in time and the possibilities that lie ahead for America but it is up to President Obama and all Americans to make sure we take full advantage of it for the betterment of our country and perhaps the world.

Assignment 1 Ben Nash

The article," Radical in the White House", written by the Pulitzer Prize winning foreign affairs columnist for the New York Times, Thomas Friedman appeared in the afore mentioned publication's January 21st edition. This was the day after Barak Obama was sworn in as the 44th president on the United States and the column contains Mr. Freidman's ideas on the direction he would like to see the new administration take. It would be easy to say that it was written for the readership of the Time's or America as a whole but the author may have pitched this one a bit higher. It may be for the eyes of President Obama himself.
Friedman's argument is that in times of relative economic and domestic security Americans look to society and there place in it for comfort and relegate Government to background noise. When there is an instance of a domestic or international crisis we tend to look to the government as a means of comfort and protection. He holds up FDR’s “New Deal “and LBJ’s “Great Society” as to examples of when government got it right. This column is a good companion piece to the first video shown in class. We need a radical change in how our government functions and the role it should play in our daily lives if we are to rise to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Assignment #1 T Gombar

Thomas L. Friedman a Pulitzer Prize winner wrote this article for the New York Times. I believe this article was written not to express democratic views but to try show that right now it doesn’t matter if you are a republican or a democrat. The message I took from the article is that America needs to be united right now in this time of change. Many people are very supportive of President Obama and many people couldn’t be less supportive. The fact is that America is in a downward spiral, and is in need of fixing. We as Americans need to support our President. I believe that this article is directed to two different groups I already mentioned. The first group is the crazed Obama supporters; their message is that this great change is not going to happen overnight, which I think that’s the impression they are under. The second group is the people that are one hundred percent against Obama; their message is to try and change your view and give him a chance. He has an opportunity to do some great things.

I believe the overall argument is that if ever there was a time for America to unite it is now, and let’s get out of this mess. We need to take this opportunity to have a fresh start, and make the most of a bad situation. It’s going to be a long ride turning the economy around but with everyone’s support it could go a little smoother.

Tara Gombar