CNN YouTube Debate

The CNN YouTube debate seemed like a big joke a times. It was, in a way, a chance for people to be on television and ask a question to the well respected presidential candidates. I'm not saying that there weren't people that took it seriously and are concerned with the country's politics, but some people were acting ridiculous. For example, one guy asked, while shirtless, if he could intern for Senator Hilary Clinton. The debate was supposed to be a chance for the people to get their points across to the presidential candidates, and i think that some people did not take it seriously.

Blog #7

The debate last night was between the Democratic candidates, and it was basically an attack on Hilary Clinton. Barack Obama and John Edwards ganged up on the senator and questioned her plan or platform. Hilary, already trying to make up for the last debate, was on her heels trying to deflect the intense questions being thrown her way. I think Hilary held her composure very well while she was being attacked. Sure, the other two candidates really tried to crack her, but really she has, for the most part, kept it together. Therefore, i would name her the winner of the debate, because of the challenge she was faced with.

blog #6

(5) The CIA tends to have top-secret operations to investigate suspicious behavior of people related to the government. They inform no one outside the CIA about any of the operations because they are not necessarily legal. In Fairfax, Virginia the CIA broke into one of their employee's residence because they suspected she was involved with a Cuban national. They believed he was aware of some illegal business and they unsuccessfully tried to catch him in the act. The CIA doesnt really care or abide by a citizen's right to privacy. Also, everyone is a threat to them, they trust no one, even their own.

Congress Rep

Living in California, I have 2 Senators Barbara Boxer and Diane Feinstein. Boxer is a Democrat that has been involved in the Senate since 1992 when she was first elected. She is known for being in favor of eniornmental protection, human rights, and of women's rights for reproduction. She has been a force in Congress and an all around good representative for California. She is a member of many committees including Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation, Senate Enviornment and Public Works, and Senate Foreign Relations. And she has been in favor of many bills such as S.2109 which is the California Desert and Mountain Heritage Act.
Diane Feinstein is the other senator of California and was also elected a seat in 1992. She was then re-elected in 1998 and again in 2004. She was a co-sponsor of the Class Action Fairness Act of 2005 and is a big believer in capital punishment. Feinstein is also a member of a lot of committees dealing with Defense, and Crimes and Drugs, along with many others. Having two female senators for California has been good because i think it is important to have females involved in the legistaltive branch. It sets a good example for young women who would like to pursue their dreams in politics.

interactive constitution

Article 1 discusses the roles of Congress and in the selection i chose, it talked about how the House of Representatives is known as the "peoples house." The members of the House are elected every two years because they do not have to deal with long term issues. The House is the only part of Congress that is elected by public and is a good representative for them. Having the House of Representatives is a good thing in my opinion because it is the only house that the people are directly linked to. It gives the public the feeling of power because it lets them feel involved with the important decision making for the country.

candidate selection

After taking the candidate selection quiz, i was paired up with mike gravel. I was suprised with the decision because i have never heard of him or his opinions on any issues. I also don't believe he has a real chance in winning the election because i dont think he is very well known by the public and he is not the leading candidate for the democratic party as of right now.

Medicare prescription drug benefit (2004)

The Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit was thought to be an advantage for people who signed up for the Medicare Part D. However, it looks like it could have been damaging to their out- of- pocket spending. According to a survey presented to seniors that were enrolled with the Medicare Part D, were not receieving benefits that other people with drug coverage were recieving. For example employer-sponsored coverage or benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Typically, seniors that have drug coverage or less likely to deal with high cost month payments or to have to miss a prescription beacuse they can't afford the cost. However, 1 out of 3 low-income seniors say that they are having to pay about $100 a month for their prescriptions. This can be very costly after a while, especially when having to pay all of the other bills. The Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit was originally supposed to be a good thing, but to a majority of seniors, it is affecting then poorly.