Have you all missed me? Contrary to rumors that I am making up now in order to create hype, I have not passed on, and am finally back to give you all a fresh dose of Leaning Right and Left!
The biggest story of the past few months has no doubt been Health Care Reform. For the most part, the reforms enacted seem positive, like provisions banning insurance refusal for "pre-existing conditions". What worries me is the Individual Mandate, set to take effect in 2014, that requires nearly ALL Americans to purchase a Federally-approved health insurance plan or pay a substantial penalty. Nowhere in the Constitution is Congress given the right to impose such a requirement on the people, and it would seem that the 9th and 10th amendments expressly disallow such a huge federal intrusion into what should be the domain of the people and the states. As one GOP congressman said during floor debate, "The [Federal] government can't make us buy insurance, a car, or even a box of doughnuts!" Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum and 13 other state Attorneys General have, in fact, filed a lawsuit on these very grounds, and I hope the courts use this opportunity to fix what would have been an otherwise positive bill.
In other news, BP's Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded, sank, and is now leaking thousands of gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico each day. I have been an ardent supporter of offshore oil drilling in the past, and my support hinged on the fact that (excluding the 1979 Ixtoc I incident caused by the notoriously mismanaged Mexican PEMEX) there had been no major oil spills linked directly to drilling. The environmental catastrophe that seems to be upon us in the Gulf has thrown a wrench into the works of that line of reasoning. As a result, I believe that my support for conservationism comes first, and unless the current disaster is determined to be the cause of sabotage or a mistake that can be easily avoided in the future, I have no choice but to back off of my support. I sincerely hope that efforts to minimize the spill's impact come to fruition in the next few days.
Showing posts with label Obama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Obama. Show all posts
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
SCOTUS, POTUS, SOTU, NASA
My attempt at parallel structure in the title kind of fell apart after I realized the State of the Union Address didn't have a second S in the standard acronym. No matter.
At the beginning of last week, the Supreme Court decided 5-4 in Citizens United v. FEC to declare certain limits on the ability of corporations and unions to contribute to political campaigns unconstitutional. Though this change is controversial, and not without problems, I believe it has its merits. First of all, Unions have been working the system since time immemorial. By manipulating union due payments from members, unions have been able to far exceed spending limits on political campaigns. Corporations, on the other hand, previously had no access to such extralegal methods. Now, the methods employed by the unions have been legalized, while corporations have gained access to the same. In addition, the court ruling seems to increase transparency in campaign spending. Corporations and Unions must now run independent ad campaigns and disclose in those ads who is sponsoring the campaign. This allows the American voter to see which organizations support which candidates. Other potential positives, like the ability for lesser known and third party candidates with unique solutions to seek out corporate and union sponsorships, may also come from this ruling. The negatives involved here are obvious. Many people believe that rising campaign costs are limiting people without immense personal funds from competing in elections; depending on how things go, this ruling could either contribute to that trend or even the playing field by giving less wealthy candidates the ability to partner with groups that support their ideals. While the issue of campaign costs is a very legitimate concern, the most prominently voiced issue is that of "foreigners dominating American politics", as Obama, in a dangerous rebuke of the Supreme Court, claimed during the SOTU. This issue is barely relevant, and is likely an attempt at rabble-rousing, as the only foreigners who could possibly benefit are those holding American companies, and even then the Supreme Court continues to uphold the ban on campaign spending by foreigners.
Overall, Obama's SOTU address seemed like an apology for the Health Care fiasco. Following Scott Brown's election, Obama has tried to distance himself from the more radical aspects (public option) of reform, and focused instead on the economy and the vital aspects (stopping "pre-existing conditions" from being a coverage issue) of his prize project. In addition, Obama went out of his way to support measures, like nuclear energy, that he had previously opposed, likely in an attempt to win support from the increasingly disenchanted Independents who helped him win in 2008. Though I support Obama's shift in focus, I believe it is a sign that he is wavering in his ideals in order to appeal to the American people and save his chances at re-election, a move that is sure to bother many on the Left who see such actions as treasonous.
My final topic for tonight is the changes to NASA's budget in Obama's 2011 budget. I support the idea of a goal-shift at NASA from a moon-oriented plan, to a broader deep-space effort as envisioned by the "Flexible Path" option proposed by the Augustine Commission and endorsed by the President. However, the plan Obama has laid out gives no clear outline for the development of manned vehicles, and it effectively ends the Constellation Program, abandoning the Ares I and V rockets and the Orion capsule that were in development (with billions of dollars spent already), and leaves the jobs of thousands of people working on the project in my home state of Florida in jeopardy, a situation that Obama assured them (in a visit to Canaveral during his campaign) would not occur (Space-related industries make up a huge part of Florida's economy). I have no issue relegating low-Earth orbit launches to commercial ventures, as I'm sure it will lower costs for NASA in the long run, but leaving plans for future exploration in limbo is just wrong. Back in the early 70's, budget issues led to the cancellation of the Apollo program and Von Braun's ambitious plans for further exploration. Now, 40 years later, we're still stuck piddling around in orbit, and we cannot let US government actions prevent mankind's spread to the stars again.
The recent focus shift was needed, but so is money. Obama's budget gives NASA several billion more dollars, but relegates a larger portion of NASA's overall spending to Earth Observation. This is a worthy cause, as NASA satellites have helped improve life on Earth in ways as varied as combating forest fires and monitoring Antarctic melt. But with something as vital to the future of mankind as NASA, there should be no trade-offs. The money allocated to Earth Observation should stay, but Congress, especially Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), a former astronaut whom I deeply admire as a public servant, must lead the charge by amending the budget to increase funding for Exploration. If budget issues remain, Obama's proposed spending freezes in other areas could be expanded, or *gulp*, a small tax of some kind could be created to bolster NASA's budget.
At the beginning of last week, the Supreme Court decided 5-4 in Citizens United v. FEC to declare certain limits on the ability of corporations and unions to contribute to political campaigns unconstitutional. Though this change is controversial, and not without problems, I believe it has its merits. First of all, Unions have been working the system since time immemorial. By manipulating union due payments from members, unions have been able to far exceed spending limits on political campaigns. Corporations, on the other hand, previously had no access to such extralegal methods. Now, the methods employed by the unions have been legalized, while corporations have gained access to the same. In addition, the court ruling seems to increase transparency in campaign spending. Corporations and Unions must now run independent ad campaigns and disclose in those ads who is sponsoring the campaign. This allows the American voter to see which organizations support which candidates. Other potential positives, like the ability for lesser known and third party candidates with unique solutions to seek out corporate and union sponsorships, may also come from this ruling. The negatives involved here are obvious. Many people believe that rising campaign costs are limiting people without immense personal funds from competing in elections; depending on how things go, this ruling could either contribute to that trend or even the playing field by giving less wealthy candidates the ability to partner with groups that support their ideals. While the issue of campaign costs is a very legitimate concern, the most prominently voiced issue is that of "foreigners dominating American politics", as Obama, in a dangerous rebuke of the Supreme Court, claimed during the SOTU. This issue is barely relevant, and is likely an attempt at rabble-rousing, as the only foreigners who could possibly benefit are those holding American companies, and even then the Supreme Court continues to uphold the ban on campaign spending by foreigners.
Overall, Obama's SOTU address seemed like an apology for the Health Care fiasco. Following Scott Brown's election, Obama has tried to distance himself from the more radical aspects (public option) of reform, and focused instead on the economy and the vital aspects (stopping "pre-existing conditions" from being a coverage issue) of his prize project. In addition, Obama went out of his way to support measures, like nuclear energy, that he had previously opposed, likely in an attempt to win support from the increasingly disenchanted Independents who helped him win in 2008. Though I support Obama's shift in focus, I believe it is a sign that he is wavering in his ideals in order to appeal to the American people and save his chances at re-election, a move that is sure to bother many on the Left who see such actions as treasonous.
My final topic for tonight is the changes to NASA's budget in Obama's 2011 budget. I support the idea of a goal-shift at NASA from a moon-oriented plan, to a broader deep-space effort as envisioned by the "Flexible Path" option proposed by the Augustine Commission and endorsed by the President. However, the plan Obama has laid out gives no clear outline for the development of manned vehicles, and it effectively ends the Constellation Program, abandoning the Ares I and V rockets and the Orion capsule that were in development (with billions of dollars spent already), and leaves the jobs of thousands of people working on the project in my home state of Florida in jeopardy, a situation that Obama assured them (in a visit to Canaveral during his campaign) would not occur (Space-related industries make up a huge part of Florida's economy). I have no issue relegating low-Earth orbit launches to commercial ventures, as I'm sure it will lower costs for NASA in the long run, but leaving plans for future exploration in limbo is just wrong. Back in the early 70's, budget issues led to the cancellation of the Apollo program and Von Braun's ambitious plans for further exploration. Now, 40 years later, we're still stuck piddling around in orbit, and we cannot let US government actions prevent mankind's spread to the stars again.
The recent focus shift was needed, but so is money. Obama's budget gives NASA several billion more dollars, but relegates a larger portion of NASA's overall spending to Earth Observation. This is a worthy cause, as NASA satellites have helped improve life on Earth in ways as varied as combating forest fires and monitoring Antarctic melt. But with something as vital to the future of mankind as NASA, there should be no trade-offs. The money allocated to Earth Observation should stay, but Congress, especially Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), a former astronaut whom I deeply admire as a public servant, must lead the charge by amending the budget to increase funding for Exploration. If budget issues remain, Obama's proposed spending freezes in other areas could be expanded, or *gulp*, a small tax of some kind could be created to bolster NASA's budget.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Haiti, Quebec, and Massachusetts
My family and I just got back from a trip to Quebec over the long weekend. The province is a beautiful place, and Quebec City, right on the frozen Saint Lawrence River, had a bizarre feel, almost as if it were a city at man's northernmost frontier, though I'm sure the fact I'm not used to so much snow played a role in that idea. We toured the city, tasted delicious Quebecois food, and enjoyed the Winter activities, like ice skating in Place D'Youville and tobogganing outside our hotel, the Chateau Frontenac. The highlight of our trip, however, was a night in Hotel de Glace, the Ice Hotel. The idea of an 80-person hotel made entirely of ice was bizarre, the structure itself was beautiful, and the sleeping conditions, 27 degrees Fahrenheit on a bed made of ice, wood and foam, were an experience in themselves.
The only negative aspect of the trip was the Canadian security. Apparently, to align with the US's security needs, Canada has enforced a "no-carry-on" policy. Interestingly, women's purses, but not men's satchels of similar sizes, are allowed through, which I think smells of sexism. I'm fine with pat-downs (which we had), Millimeter-Wave full-body scans, and even complete bag searches if it means the liklihood of a Terrorist attack is lessened, but let me bring my bag on the plane! Or, at the very least, the airline or the hotel should have informed us of the Canadian policy, so we would know to pack our bags appropriately.
The biggest story in the news this past week has been the tragic earthquake in Haiti, the desperate search for survivors, and the deployment of 11,000 US troops to the country to ensure stability and efficient aid deployment. All of the aid funds being collected, from groups as diverse as the Red Cross, Wyclef Jean's Yele Haiti, private donors, and national governments is a testament to the generosity of the human race, and will surely help Haiti get back on their feet after this disaster, and will hopefully leave them with an improved infrastructure that will allow them to break away from their position as the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. Recently, a row over a French aid plane that was apparently turned away before later being allowed to land has led to French criticism of the US role in Haiti. France, as the former ruler of Haiti, likely feels some responsibility for Haiti's economic situation, but now is not the time to make amends for History for their posterity's sake. What matters most is the recovery of the few left alive under the rubble, the efficient distribution of aid, and protection for the millions of homeless Haitians from the bandits and looters that have taken control of much of the disaster zone in the absence of a real government. The United States, with the UN mission and Haitian government scattered, is in the best position to take command of the situation. With troops, a hospital ship, an aircraft carrier, and other resources already deployed, the United States, under President Obama, Secretary Clinton, and General Keen, has done an excellent job in caring for the living, and preserving order, and the US presence should remain for the foreseeable future.
Finally, the big story yesterday was the election of Republican Scott Brown to the seat vacated after the "lion of the Senate" Ted Kennedy's death, breaking the Democratic monopoly of MA senators that has lasted since the '70s. With 41 Republicans in the Senate, the Right will now be able to filibuster unpopular Democratic legislation, particularly the Health Care Reform effort, and force the majority party to moderate their reforms to accommodate the views of some of the 41% of Americans whose representatives have been largely ignored in the Health Care Debate. This slight rebalance of power in Congress is good for both sides, giving Republicans greater control, and allowing Democrats to craft a Reform bill that will be more accepted by the American people than the one being proposed. Many analysts predict that Brown (a moderate Republican) is an indication of an anti-Democrat trend that will be fleshed out fully in November. No one can know for sure, but I for one, am excited.
One final thing many analysts worried about was the issue of "Shenanigans" in Brown's seating. However, the Majority has accepted the will of the people of Massachusetts, and Brown seems likely to be seated without delay. Martha Coakley, Brown's opponent, was gracious in defeat and did not contest the election as some had feared. Obama and Harry Reid also showed grace in statements today urging legislators to halt Health Care debate until Brown is seated. The fear remains that the House will pass the deeply flawed Senate bill and send it to Obama to be enacted without changes, but the consensus is that such an event will not occur, and renegotiations will be held, with at least some Republicans on board.
The only negative aspect of the trip was the Canadian security. Apparently, to align with the US's security needs, Canada has enforced a "no-carry-on" policy. Interestingly, women's purses, but not men's satchels of similar sizes, are allowed through, which I think smells of sexism. I'm fine with pat-downs (which we had), Millimeter-Wave full-body scans, and even complete bag searches if it means the liklihood of a Terrorist attack is lessened, but let me bring my bag on the plane! Or, at the very least, the airline or the hotel should have informed us of the Canadian policy, so we would know to pack our bags appropriately.
The biggest story in the news this past week has been the tragic earthquake in Haiti, the desperate search for survivors, and the deployment of 11,000 US troops to the country to ensure stability and efficient aid deployment. All of the aid funds being collected, from groups as diverse as the Red Cross, Wyclef Jean's Yele Haiti, private donors, and national governments is a testament to the generosity of the human race, and will surely help Haiti get back on their feet after this disaster, and will hopefully leave them with an improved infrastructure that will allow them to break away from their position as the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. Recently, a row over a French aid plane that was apparently turned away before later being allowed to land has led to French criticism of the US role in Haiti. France, as the former ruler of Haiti, likely feels some responsibility for Haiti's economic situation, but now is not the time to make amends for History for their posterity's sake. What matters most is the recovery of the few left alive under the rubble, the efficient distribution of aid, and protection for the millions of homeless Haitians from the bandits and looters that have taken control of much of the disaster zone in the absence of a real government. The United States, with the UN mission and Haitian government scattered, is in the best position to take command of the situation. With troops, a hospital ship, an aircraft carrier, and other resources already deployed, the United States, under President Obama, Secretary Clinton, and General Keen, has done an excellent job in caring for the living, and preserving order, and the US presence should remain for the foreseeable future.
Finally, the big story yesterday was the election of Republican Scott Brown to the seat vacated after the "lion of the Senate" Ted Kennedy's death, breaking the Democratic monopoly of MA senators that has lasted since the '70s. With 41 Republicans in the Senate, the Right will now be able to filibuster unpopular Democratic legislation, particularly the Health Care Reform effort, and force the majority party to moderate their reforms to accommodate the views of some of the 41% of Americans whose representatives have been largely ignored in the Health Care Debate. This slight rebalance of power in Congress is good for both sides, giving Republicans greater control, and allowing Democrats to craft a Reform bill that will be more accepted by the American people than the one being proposed. Many analysts predict that Brown (a moderate Republican) is an indication of an anti-Democrat trend that will be fleshed out fully in November. No one can know for sure, but I for one, am excited.
One final thing many analysts worried about was the issue of "Shenanigans" in Brown's seating. However, the Majority has accepted the will of the people of Massachusetts, and Brown seems likely to be seated without delay. Martha Coakley, Brown's opponent, was gracious in defeat and did not contest the election as some had feared. Obama and Harry Reid also showed grace in statements today urging legislators to halt Health Care debate until Brown is seated. The fear remains that the House will pass the deeply flawed Senate bill and send it to Obama to be enacted without changes, but the consensus is that such an event will not occur, and renegotiations will be held, with at least some Republicans on board.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
What's This About 2010?
So it's a brand new year, a brand new decade. I think we can finally get into the habit of naming years the way they did in the 20th century, twenty-ten sounds pretty nice. Last decade will probably bug the heck out of linguists for a while, twenty-oh-two doesn't sound quite as nice as 1902 does.
2009 was pretty exciting, the Miracle on the Hudson, a new President, the Swine Flu scare, continuing uncertainty over the economy, coups, wars... you name it, 2009 had it.
But we've got a lot to look forward to this year: a new claimant to the title "World's Tallest Building" (the Burj Dubai), victory and an end to the Iraq War, and of course, the 2010 Mid-Term elections. I'm excited because I will be voting for the first time, and the nation will get to decide how much of President Obama's "Change" agenda they want to keep, and how much they don't. I'll certainly be watching the run-up to those as we go along, and I hope you all do too.
I hope you've all had a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hannukah, and a Happy New Year.
2009 was pretty exciting, the Miracle on the Hudson, a new President, the Swine Flu scare, continuing uncertainty over the economy, coups, wars... you name it, 2009 had it.
But we've got a lot to look forward to this year: a new claimant to the title "World's Tallest Building" (the Burj Dubai), victory and an end to the Iraq War, and of course, the 2010 Mid-Term elections. I'm excited because I will be voting for the first time, and the nation will get to decide how much of President Obama's "Change" agenda they want to keep, and how much they don't. I'll certainly be watching the run-up to those as we go along, and I hope you all do too.
I hope you've all had a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hannukah, and a Happy New Year.
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