House Passes Obama Stimulus Package
Bill Gets No GOP Votes; Senate Will Now Debate Its Version
By Paul KaneWashington Post Staff Writer Thursday, January 29, 2009; Page A01
The House approved an $819 billion stimulus package on a near party-line vote yesterday, a plan breathtaking in size and scope that President Obama hopes to make the cornerstone of his efforts to resuscitate the staggering economy.
Obama engaged in an all-out lobbying push for the bill, which is among the most expensive pieces of legislation ever to move through Congress, and marked the biggest victory of his presidency a little more than a week into his term. He will now turn his attention to the Senate, where Democrats are scheduled to begin debate on the measure on Monday and the price tag is likely to reach $900 billion.
Larger than the combined total cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan so far, the two-year stimulus plan would provide up to $1,000 per year in tax relief for most families, dramatically increase funding for alternative energy production, and direct more than $300 billion in aid to states to help rebuild schools, provide health care to the poor and reconstruct highways and bridges.
But Obama's personal salesmanship effort failed to secure a single Republican supporter for the spending plan, which passed on a 244 to 188 vote. Just a day after the president spent more than an hour behind closed doors at the Capitol seeking their support, all 177 House Republicans opposed the measure, arguing that it would spend hundreds of billions of dollars on initiatives that would do little to stimulate the economy. Eleven Democrats opposed the bill.
In a statement issued after the early evening vote, Obama said he was "grateful" for the House action.
"There are many numbers in this plan," he said in the statement. "But out of all these numbers, there is one that matters most to me: This recovery plan will save or create more than 3 million new jobs over the next few years."
While Obama made no mention of the unanimous Republican opposition, a top adviser immediately warned of the political fallout GOP lawmakers could face from constituents struggling in tough economic times.
"There will be people in districts all over the country that will wonder why, when there's a good bill to get the economy moving again, while we still seem to be playing political gotcha," White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said in an interview.
Some moderate Republicans who opposed the bill left open the chance of supporting the final version if the White House and Senate address their concerns about spending. And Democrats remain hopeful of securing a more bipartisan result in the Senate, where committee action has driven up the cost as the amount of tax relief has increased, something Republicans have demanded before they will consider offering their support.
Washington Post - House Passes Bill
New York Times - How They Voted
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Oppose the bill at your peril
Wall Street Journal - What's in this thing
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Should equality be the goal?
The Capital Courier -
Within weeks the Supreme Judicial Court is expected to rule on the issue of pay equity. The case in question specifically deals with pay discrimination based on gender. The case is very similar to the Ledbetter case heard by the Supreme Court of the United States in 2007. At question is whether employees can sue their employers for pay discrimination after the statute of limitations has been exhausted.
The broader issue revolves around the question of what role the government should play in the crusade of gender equality when it comes to compensation. Should government become involved in this discrimination issue or is this something that should be corrected by the market place? Furthermore, will allowing employees to sue for pay discrimination open a Pandora's box of lawsuits that will further cripple the struggling economy? It is surely an economic and civil rights debate that will continue for some time.
Afghanistan: Our Problem?
The Franklin Times -
As the conflict in Afghanistan enters its eighth year it is becoming clearer and clearer that the western world is failing. One would be hard pressed to look at this war-torn nation and conclude that progress is being made or that it is even possible. This is a land that has defeated every foreign force that has tried to control or change it.
It is a land governed by religious extremism, tribalism, warlords, and drug smugglers. Since bringing Karzai to power after the fall of the Taliban government, the United States has been unable to extend his power. Many analysts agree that while President of Afghanistan in name, Karzai's true power does not extend outside the capital of Kabul.
In complicate matters, the Taliban has reemerged. Supported by sympathetic Pashtuns in Pakistan's ungovernable frontier, this religious movement has reasserted its control over much of the countryside and drug trade. This has led to increasing violence throughout the country and has threatened to prevent the creation of a stable Afghanistan.
In response to these changing dynamics, the United States is reevaluating its military strategy in the country. President Obama and Defense Sec. Gates are looking to expand the military operation and increase the number of troops in country. NATO, which officially has military command of all international forces, is growing wary of the extended military involvement.
So, now the question for our nation is straightforward: does Franklin commit military forces to Afghanistan?
AP - Gates testifies before Congress
As the conflict in Afghanistan enters its eighth year it is becoming clearer and clearer that the western world is failing. One would be hard pressed to look at this war-torn nation and conclude that progress is being made or that it is even possible. This is a land that has defeated every foreign force that has tried to control or change it.
It is a land governed by religious extremism, tribalism, warlords, and drug smugglers. Since bringing Karzai to power after the fall of the Taliban government, the United States has been unable to extend his power. Many analysts agree that while President of Afghanistan in name, Karzai's true power does not extend outside the capital of Kabul.
In complicate matters, the Taliban has reemerged. Supported by sympathetic Pashtuns in Pakistan's ungovernable frontier, this religious movement has reasserted its control over much of the countryside and drug trade. This has led to increasing violence throughout the country and has threatened to prevent the creation of a stable Afghanistan.
In response to these changing dynamics, the United States is reevaluating its military strategy in the country. President Obama and Defense Sec. Gates are looking to expand the military operation and increase the number of troops in country. NATO, which officially has military command of all international forces, is growing wary of the extended military involvement.
So, now the question for our nation is straightforward: does Franklin commit military forces to Afghanistan?
AP - Gates testifies before Congress
Monday, January 19, 2009
Foreign Policy Debates
The Capital Courier -
World events over the past month point to crucial self-defining issues which this nation must wrestle with. Over the past three weeks, Israelis and Palestinians have been engaged in savage war with one another. With Hamas firing rockets into civilian centers within Israel, and the Israeli Defense Forces responding with military operations that have killed over 1200 Palestinians, it becomes clear that the Middle East peace process is once again stalled. As the election cycle develops it is hoped by this newspaper's editorial staff that the parties will develop and unveil comprehensive policies for dealing with Mid-East violence. This newspaper understands our nation's role will be limited, but that does not mean we cannot have a voice. Our longstanding friendship with the United States and Europe creates a platform from which to be heard. Furthermore, our own nation's sizable Jewish and Muslim populations must see engagement in this issue.
Yet, our relationship with the United States must not end with the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Our neighbor to the south looks to history, as it inaugurates its first African American president. The Presidency of Barack Obama promises to bring profound change within the U.S. and in how it deals with the rest of the world. Franklin must use this opportunity to further define our relationship with our neighbor. Among the many issues that must be resolved is our mutual cooperation in the war on terror. It is clear that we must work closely in this global struggle against radical ideologies built on hate and domination. Yet, we must also protect and guard our nation's fledgling democracy and commitment to the rule of law. Recently, the Ministry of Homeland Security and the Ministry of Defense released previously classified reports detailing Franklin's involvement in the interrogation of suspected terrorists. While many aspects of this cooperation remain unknown it has become clear that, at least at some level, Franklin intelligence and military personnel were engaged in renditions and "harsh interrogations" of suspected terrorists. As the election proceeds, the political parties need to explain their visions of our nation's character and how they would wage this global war on terror.
World events over the past month point to crucial self-defining issues which this nation must wrestle with. Over the past three weeks, Israelis and Palestinians have been engaged in savage war with one another. With Hamas firing rockets into civilian centers within Israel, and the Israeli Defense Forces responding with military operations that have killed over 1200 Palestinians, it becomes clear that the Middle East peace process is once again stalled. As the election cycle develops it is hoped by this newspaper's editorial staff that the parties will develop and unveil comprehensive policies for dealing with Mid-East violence. This newspaper understands our nation's role will be limited, but that does not mean we cannot have a voice. Our longstanding friendship with the United States and Europe creates a platform from which to be heard. Furthermore, our own nation's sizable Jewish and Muslim populations must see engagement in this issue.
Yet, our relationship with the United States must not end with the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Our neighbor to the south looks to history, as it inaugurates its first African American president. The Presidency of Barack Obama promises to bring profound change within the U.S. and in how it deals with the rest of the world. Franklin must use this opportunity to further define our relationship with our neighbor. Among the many issues that must be resolved is our mutual cooperation in the war on terror. It is clear that we must work closely in this global struggle against radical ideologies built on hate and domination. Yet, we must also protect and guard our nation's fledgling democracy and commitment to the rule of law. Recently, the Ministry of Homeland Security and the Ministry of Defense released previously classified reports detailing Franklin's involvement in the interrogation of suspected terrorists. While many aspects of this cooperation remain unknown it has become clear that, at least at some level, Franklin intelligence and military personnel were engaged in renditions and "harsh interrogations" of suspected terrorists. As the election proceeds, the political parties need to explain their visions of our nation's character and how they would wage this global war on terror.
Economic Disaster?
The Franklin Times -
"The financial and economic crash of 2008, the worst in over 75 years, is a major geopolitical setback for the west...A brutal recession is unfolding in the United States, Europe, and probably Japan - a recession likely to be more harmful than the slump of 1981-82. The current financial crisis has deeply frightened consumers and businesses, and in response they have sharply retrenched. In addition, the usual recovery tools used by governments - monetary and fiscal stimuli - will be relatively ineffective under the circumstances" (Altman, 2009). These mark the opening lines of Roger C. Altman's recent essay in Foreign Affairs. The essay's dire forecasts are nothing new, but they do point to the dominant issue in the upcoming General Assembly elections - the economy.
Franklin's economy, like those of its counterparts in the western world, is faltering. The Treasury Ministry and National Bank are reporting sobering numbers as of late. The nation has officially moved into recession territory, with Franklin's GDP beginning to contract in the third quarter of 2008 and forecasted to drop dramatically in the fourth quarter - nearly five percent. Unemployment is on the rise, reaching a 17 year high of 7.8%. Home values have fallen by nearly 20%, and investment assets have fallen 25%. The Franklin Stock Exchange has seen its value drop nearly 40% percent in a single year. The nation's financial system is in shambles and with heavy ties to U.S. firms many economists fear the nation's entire credit market will completely freeze. Compounding problems are plummeting oil prices. Economic crisis in the United States has caused a severe drop in oil demand. As a result, the nation's number one export is suffering. Oil prices have fallen by some $110 per barrel in only six months (from a high of $150 to the current level of $40).
This financial and economic crisis is now leading to fiscal consequences. The government's tax base is drying up. Climbing unemployment and stagnant wages are reducing income tax receipts. Corporations throughout the country are reporting staggering loses reducing the tax base even more. Place falling oil prices on top of this disaster only serves to illustrate the fiscal straights the nation faces. Just last Spring, the Treasury was reporting approaching budget deficits. These projections have now ballooned. The nation, which had one prided itself on sound fiscal polices and budget surpluses, faces the worst fiscal situation since the 1930s.
With these issues in mind, it becomes clear that the new political parties will have to make the economy their priority. The nation's voters are growing nervous and are in need of an economic plan to turn this nation around.
"The financial and economic crash of 2008, the worst in over 75 years, is a major geopolitical setback for the west...A brutal recession is unfolding in the United States, Europe, and probably Japan - a recession likely to be more harmful than the slump of 1981-82. The current financial crisis has deeply frightened consumers and businesses, and in response they have sharply retrenched. In addition, the usual recovery tools used by governments - monetary and fiscal stimuli - will be relatively ineffective under the circumstances" (Altman, 2009). These mark the opening lines of Roger C. Altman's recent essay in Foreign Affairs. The essay's dire forecasts are nothing new, but they do point to the dominant issue in the upcoming General Assembly elections - the economy.
Franklin's economy, like those of its counterparts in the western world, is faltering. The Treasury Ministry and National Bank are reporting sobering numbers as of late. The nation has officially moved into recession territory, with Franklin's GDP beginning to contract in the third quarter of 2008 and forecasted to drop dramatically in the fourth quarter - nearly five percent. Unemployment is on the rise, reaching a 17 year high of 7.8%. Home values have fallen by nearly 20%, and investment assets have fallen 25%. The Franklin Stock Exchange has seen its value drop nearly 40% percent in a single year. The nation's financial system is in shambles and with heavy ties to U.S. firms many economists fear the nation's entire credit market will completely freeze. Compounding problems are plummeting oil prices. Economic crisis in the United States has caused a severe drop in oil demand. As a result, the nation's number one export is suffering. Oil prices have fallen by some $110 per barrel in only six months (from a high of $150 to the current level of $40).
This financial and economic crisis is now leading to fiscal consequences. The government's tax base is drying up. Climbing unemployment and stagnant wages are reducing income tax receipts. Corporations throughout the country are reporting staggering loses reducing the tax base even more. Place falling oil prices on top of this disaster only serves to illustrate the fiscal straights the nation faces. Just last Spring, the Treasury was reporting approaching budget deficits. These projections have now ballooned. The nation, which had one prided itself on sound fiscal polices and budget surpluses, faces the worst fiscal situation since the 1930s.
With these issues in mind, it becomes clear that the new political parties will have to make the economy their priority. The nation's voters are growing nervous and are in need of an economic plan to turn this nation around.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
New Election Season Opens
NEC Chairman McFarland Announcement:
The nation's 3rd General Assembly Election cycle has now begun. Prime Minister Mobley has called for a national election, to fill the 350 legislative seats of the 3rd General Assembly, to be held on March 28 and 29, 2009. National Election Commission (NEC) Chairman, James McFarland announced today that his agency, responsible for overseeing all Franklin States' elections, will begin accepting party applications. For a political party to appear on a national ballot it must be recognized by the Election Commission. Once a party has been recognized by the NEC it is eligible for public finance campaign funds. These funds become available once the party polls over 5% nationally.
Chairman McFarland also announced the commission will continue its effort to integrate the internet as much as possible in the electoral effort (recent estimates show that as much as 80% of the Franklin population possesses internet access). In line with this philosophy, the party applications must be submitted electronically. For the application process, prospective political parties should simply comment to this blog post with a party name and leadership list.
Campaigns, once recognized, should make it a habit of reading and commenting on the national blog. The NEC's blog covers all aspects of international and national headlines related to the election. Frequent use of its resources have been critical in elections past.
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