Education Is a Human Right!

"State budget cuts across the country have led to layoffs, furloughs, and cutbacks affecting all levels of education, from prekindergarten to universities." Protests are now planned to fight these cuts in funding education, which have led to a nation wide movement. -CNN

We can no longer ignore the economic crisis we seem to be stranded in, recently education funds have suffered the heaviest toll. Narrowing the scope to California, there was a $1 billion budget cut to the state's university system, increasing college tuition by approximately 32%. Demonstrations though predominantly present in college campuses, have also been been planned for K-12 schools who have witnessed the budget cuts through increase in class sizes , teacher and staff layoffs, but how much more will they have to take before these officials recognize that education cannot be exposed to such conditions? Rallies have been scheduled throughout California to challenge the decisions of administrators and state law makers, but will they be heard? I sure hope so. California legislators must listen to its citizens and prioritize education in their public agenda, because by the looks of it, it sure does seem an educational reform is exactly what people are calling for.

S.1362

Middle Act of 2009. is a recently proposed bill introduced in the Senate by Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island on June 25, 2009. Such bill would provide states with a grant with the purpose of reinforcing the United States public educational system that is constantly criticized. It will specifically focus on the middle school curriculum, meaning 6th-8th grade academic courses. It is designed to elaborate a 'rigorous' curriculum strong enough to prepare the young evolving minds for success in high school or "post secondary endeavors." Its goal is to improve state and district policies and programs in order to ensure academic achievement throughout the middle school education of a student and hence increase their chances of academic excellence during their high school years. Much more it will attempt to develop and implement effective middle grades 'models' designed precisely for struggling students hoping to stimulate and encourage low performing students to strive to accomplish to the best of their potential.

The bill has been read twice and was referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. I must say that this proposal is a great start, because though education in America is individualistic like most of its many systems, (for one can ex cell academically and achieve a higher education if one is preserve rant and dedicated) it does deserve to be upgraded. Many students in Los Angeles California for example can proceed onto High school even if they failed core academic courses essential to their education during middle school. This seems ridiculous. For matter of fact is middle school matters, there must be a sloid foundation to one's education!

Same-Sex Marriage in D.C. will Congress intervene?

"DC votes to allow gay marriage, but issue not settled. DC councilors voted Tuesday on the gay-marriage measure, but another vote will take place in the coming weeks. Congress could also intervene." -CS Monitor Politics

One would think that in America the land "modeled" on the principle of equality would be light hearted and open minded to issues such as same-sex marriage but surpisingly enough, it is quite just the opposite. Only 5 out of the 50 United States have legalized same-sex marriage up to this day, 2009. Only f-i-v-e! Now currently the District of Columbia is "poised" to join, will it be allowed by congress though? Washington city councilors have already voted to allow gay-marriage but there is yet another upcoming vote where Congress could possibly intervene.

"If a coalition of same sex marriage opponents have their say, the issue will eventually be decided by a referendum." Let the people be heard! (If they promote what I agree with.)

So far opponents of the act alleged that they will not be overshadowed so easily, for they will lobby Congress whom has the power to overturn any laws adopted by the council within a 30 day range. In 1996 Congress passed the Defense of Marriage Act,which denies federal recognition of same-sex marriages. But can Republicans persuade Democrats into blocking the same-sex marriage law right now? I personally highly doubt it, the Republicans are fairly weak at the moment.

Lets do this D.C.! This progress could be a vital symbolic victory for the nation, perhaps even an eye-opener.

Same-sex marriage advocates are currently eyeing two specific states as well, New York and New Jersey. Why you may wonder, what is so special about them? Well it is precisely becasue neither state has the ballot initiative or referendum process, methods by whihc same-sex marriage laws were reversed in both the state of California Maine.

Now Congress please let the people be! Do not intervene unless you help speed up the process and pave the way towards equality. It is time to embrace individuality America! Promote Acceptance! Lets fight hate, prejudice, intolereance, and unfair "traditions".

The Media

Rachel Maddow, has now become my heroe! Why? Well she is blunt, sarcastic, and fearless! One heck of a woman, and one outspoken news anchor too. It is evident that her ideaology is practically if not entirely liberal, just listen to her. Not only does she defend herself and her co-workers on MSNBC but she discredits Fox News as a "regular" news station rather she calls them an "oppositonal political outlet". (Obviously a Republican influenced one against the Democratic party and the White House) Opinion as she says has always been a "kissing cousin" to news but it does not justify a news station for misinforming or getting strayed from covering the news efficiently. My conjecture is that the audience she most appeals to is predominantly the left-wing, the "locos", the tadadada the Liberal individuals.

MRC & FAIR; Compare & Contrast

In today's high-tech world, public opinion is influenced greatly by the media and its coverage. Society is bombarded with millions of sources of information making it difficult to choose what and who to believe. Therefore, one must not be neither oblivious nor gullible and make sure they get an appetizer from every side of the story and select which one is the most reliable. Yes, to report news coverage is difficult and can be quite a challenge rarely can one fully detach their emotions, opinions, and beliefs and presumable avoid it from affecting their coverage. Word choice and tone is crucially important!

FAIR, Fairness & Accuracy In Reportings, standing goal is to preserve an "independent, aggressive and critical media" as a guarantee to the principles of democracy. They tend to focus on a diversity in the press in which they inevitably embed their opinions within as well. They make an effort to cover a widespread rage of news including "neglected" news stories. They are "media activists" for they strongly believe that "censored and bias" information is a violation of the public's 1st Amendment. They are blunt and pragmatic they will not sugarcoat anything and will only deliver the reality of the issues. If I were to make a conjecture from analyzing the information FAIR regards I would most likely infer that it has a predominantly liberal audience.

MRC, Media Research Center, "fights Liberal Bias" in the media so donate now! Support the media coverage that has a hint of conservative view and accuses liberals for providing bias information. They provide different alternatives for issues and criticize the actions by giving insight to how they would have approached such issue. They feel targeted, like if they are attacked much more than liberal individuals.

To remain neutral is tough, unless you have no opinions.

Political Cartoons

Political Cartoons:

Dictionary says:
a. A drawing depicting a humorous situation, often accompanied by a caption.
b. A drawing representing current public figures or issues symbolically and often satirically.

Elizabeth says: Political Cartoons are not merely images, they hold a much deeper purpose. It is a way in which creative individuals make a social comment concerning political aspects through the use of satire.


Our dear America is a democratic capitalistic nation, one that is looked down upon by the leaders of Iran, North Korea, and Venezuela. But what about Chris Wallace? Is he not American? Well apparently he seems to share something in common with these communist/socialist leaders, they are all OBAMAPHOBES. As a Fox news reporter Chris Wallace has been accused of distributing bias information to the American public, one plagued with purely Republican criticism of our current Democratic dominated government. The cartoon further exemplifies the idea that Obama must not go across seas to find an enemy, for he has Chris Wallace here already providing bad coverage in an attempt to defame him.

The economy, the backbone of our country, the inspiration of our happiness, and the source of our satisfaction has throughout time been our strongest pride yet now is our deepest shame. But whom is to blame? Today it seems quite obvious that we are stranded in a recession, it has almost reached a point where many have coined it as a Second Great Depression. Now the American public urges to know who is driving our national economy and where is it headed? Through this cartoon the Obama administration is portrayed as a bunch of clowns whom put up a show but in "reality" have no clue to what they are/have been doing.

The Healthcare Reform has been entirely a Democratic movement with its current leader being Mr. Barack Obama, none other than our presidente. Recently the Healthcare Bill was passed in the House of Representatives but now it must also be approved by the Senate. The elephant which in reality embodies Republican Senators will make all efforts to delay, stop, and destroy such "socialist" movement. The correct term for such action would be filibustering. Such action refers to " 'speaking or talking out a bill', a form of obstruction in a legislature or other decision-making body whereby one attempts to delay or entirely prevent a vote on a proposal by extending a debate on that proposal" (wikipedia) which is exactly what the senators whom do not support the bill will resort to now.

My favorite political cartoon out of all, for not only does it critique various aspects of society but it incorporates Sesame Street's characters, a prominent children's television show to do so. At the top right is Oscar the Grouch, with a foreclosure sign posted on his garbage can, or in other terms a place he is forced to call his home sweet home. Oscar is utilized to portray the thousands of families that recently and unexpectedly lost their homes due to their inability to pay the mortgage. It is satirical because he already lives in a thrash can, so where will he move to now? Next is Dracula, a vampire greedy for money not blood. *Gasp but how? He is placed in front of Wall Street whom gambled and manipulated the national economy as they pleased saving no one but themselves. Which depicts the idea that when $money$ is on the verge morals, principles, and duties are often replaced by an unhealthy greed and ambition. The next preceding image I can not digest yet, but if you can please share your interpretation! Bottom left image is regarding the unemployment rate that has currently risen to 10.2%! Have we really grown paranoid to such an extreme where we believe immigrants come to take over and outsource Americans, destroying its culture by replacing the traditional American ways. Following it is a picture of Bert & Ernie, they are depicted as a same-sex couple whom are forced to move out to Massachusetts, one of the few states where the same laws and procedures that govern traditional marriage also apply to same-sex marriages. One where their civil union will be recognized and equally handled. Last, is Elmo where his "ticklish" condition is used symbolically to represent the millions of health problems that often are obstacles to individuals attempting to obtain health coverage. Many insurance companies predominantly deny their coverage simply because the sick individual's medical condition might result "expensive". America right now = problems, problems, and problems both socially and economically. Oh when oh when will we see the end to them!