The Franklin Times -
The National Elections Commission has called the 5th General Assembly elections. Results can be found by going to the NEC Report. The "winning" party now has 24 hours to form a coalition that controls a majority of the General Assembly seats. The party also has 24 hours to announce their coalition government by dividing up the ministry positions among the coalition partners. Parties are reminded that coalition formation can be tricky has potential coalition partners make certain demands on positions and policies.
Positions to be filled:
Prime Minister
Deputy Prime Minister
Foreign Minister
Defense Minister
Treasury Minister
Justice Minister
Homeland Minister
Commerce and Trade Minister
Health Minister
Education Minister
Environmental Minister
Agriculture and Mining
Speaker of the General Assembly
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Early returns flood in...
The Franklin Times -
NEC initial reports show good news for the FLP, MP, RP, and WOP. These parties seem to be performing well.
Turnout models show strong voting in traditionally center-left precincts throughout the eastern states.
The RP seems to be benefiting from the absence of a true conservative party as many center-right voters are turning toward them.
However, the biggest story will be the very low conservative turnout. This will surely lead to a center-left government emerging from the 2011 elections.
The election remains tight and it is still too early and too close to project which party will emerge with the most seats. The NEC is reporting that no single party will emerge with a majority and a coalition government (which have governed Franklin for the past four years) will be required. The NEC is also reporting that returns will show the closest election in history at the top.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Voting begins...
The Franklin Times -
Voting across the nation has begun. Mirroring a growing trend in modern democracies polls have opened days early to allow for early voting. Press reports across the country report varying levels of turnout. In the west, long the bastion of the Franklin conservative movement, turnout was at historic lows. The NEC reported that voting trends in Atrium, Bennett, Gerke, Hampton, and Hunter revealed the lowest levels of voter turnout of the five democratic elections held in Franklin.
The NEC estimated that voter turnout may come in at 54% in these areas, nearly thirty percentage points lower than the 2010 election. Similar patterns could be seen in traditionally conservative areas in the eastern states. Many historically conservative precincts were reporting extremely low voter levels. This may bode ill for the conservative movement and parties as moderate parties become far more competitive in these areas. "The clear lack of a true conservative party has certainly had an effect on conservative voting. Many conservatives simply did not hear a voice that reflected their values. One is right to question the future direction of the conservative movement in light of these developments," commented Henry Lowman, a political science professor at Franklin National University.
The question remains: where will the Wilsonian coalition go? Prime Minister Wilson had built a center-right political coalition in the 2010 election. These voters may be influenced by Wilson's late endorsement of the RP. Yet, recent polling showed elderly and working class voters turning against the RP's plans to privatize Social Security and Medicare. This voter apprehension over the RP's entitlement reform plans may benefit the center-left party trifecta of the FLP, MP, and WOP.
The NEC reported that first projections will be out Tuesday morning.
Final Appeals
National Elections Commission -
The NEC is asking the nine parties to issue final appeals to voters. Through a comment to this post, the parties should lay out their final case of why voters should support them.
The NEC is asking the nine parties to issue final appeals to voters. Through a comment to this post, the parties should lay out their final case of why voters should support them.
Conservatives wary about 2011
The Franklin Times -
At a massive rally in the nation's capital, conservatives gathered to make their voices heard. The rally was organized by the Franklinites for a Conservative Change (FCC) the largest and most politically active right-wing interest group in the country.
Speaking to the estimated crowd of 30,000, FCC leader Ryan McGerald asked conservatives to voice their desires on election day. Yet, he also articulated a growing concern within conservative circles that no current party represents their vision for the future.
"My fellow conservatives, I know you are upset and I share that frustration. We have heard a deafening sound from the supposed conservative parties in this country. Will no one speak for the values this country was founded on? Progressives throughout this country speak of tolerance and entitlements. Make no mistake, these are code words for policies that will abandon traditional family values and run our nation into crippling debt. We wait for the party of small government, less spending, entitlement reform, ending the murder of innocents, defense of traditional marriage, shutting our borders to the immigrants that flood our cities, and protecting this nation from the fundamentalism of Islam. Ladies and gentlemen, I tell you now, we wait to support a party that shares our values, but will not support fake conservativism!"
McGerald's comments clearly touched a cord with many in attendance. "I have generally liked P.M. Wilson, but even he has compromised with progressives and leftists too much. We need a truly conservative government," said Ian Madden, a resident of Nordonia.
There clearly is a cry for some conservative political force as the traditionally conservative interest groups (FCC, FMA, FCC, and the RVA) have all yet to endorse. P.M. Wilson had been able to consolidate the conservative forces in the last election but no party has yet proven to have this ability. They run a great risk in this failure for many conservatives many simply stay home on election day.
Election Hits Final Day
The Franklin Times -
The election is a day away and the race appeals tight. If the Wallup polls are to be believed the electorate looks to spread its support amongst a variety of parties. This will surely prevent any one party from gaining a majority and will force the "winner" to quickly enter into coalition negotiations with their rival parties.
However, the race is clearly not over. Many questions remain and their answers will impact the ultimate outcome of this election. Will the historical regional divide between west and east continue? Will center-left voters flock to the leftist parties in response to P.M. Wilson's policies? Which party will have the best "ground-game" and demonstrate the ability to turnout their supporters? Will conservative voters turnout or stay home (please refer to The Franklin Times story "Conservatives wary about 2011")? Will the interest groups organize and endorse or continue to sit on the sidelines?
Only the voters can answer these questions and they will deliver their decision in the next 24 hours.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Editorial
The Franklin Times -
Editorial
As the conflict in Afghanistan enters its ninth 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.
To 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 has reevaluated its military strategy in the country. President Obama and Defense Sec. Gates expanded the military operation and increased the number of troops in country. NATO, which officially has military command of all international forces, is growing wary of the extended military involvement. European nations seem increasingly unwilling to send more troops. Last Spring, Prime Minister Chaffins also announced that the Franklin States would expand its troop commitment. With nearly 3,000 troops now in country and unsteady progress questions arise. Should our commitment continue? What are the goals? What does success look like?
So, now the question for our nation is straightforward: does Franklin continue to commit military forces to Afghanistan?
Editorial
As the conflict in Afghanistan enters its ninth 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.
To 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 has reevaluated its military strategy in the country. President Obama and Defense Sec. Gates expanded the military operation and increased the number of troops in country. NATO, which officially has military command of all international forces, is growing wary of the extended military involvement. European nations seem increasingly unwilling to send more troops. Last Spring, Prime Minister Chaffins also announced that the Franklin States would expand its troop commitment. With nearly 3,000 troops now in country and unsteady progress questions arise. Should our commitment continue? What are the goals? What does success look like?
So, now the question for our nation is straightforward: does Franklin continue to commit military forces to Afghanistan?
Letter to the Editor
Franklin Times
Letter to the Editor
The global economic meltdown has hit us all. Economies here at home and across the globe are faltering and shrinking. There can be no doubt that our economy, like that of our neighbors, is headed in the wrong direction.
Time can be spent pointing fingers later, but now we must no longer ignore an issue that has for too long been neglected. Since the absolute monarch fell four years ago we have witnessed a great democratic transition. Yet, we have also seen three consecutive democratically elected governments fail to address the issues facing education today.
Through three election cycles parties have promised veiled promises wrapped in empty rhetoric on the education issue. Furthermore, in the past three governments little effort has been made to confront the problems facing our nation's educational system.
Now with our nation facing a crippling economic contraction, the fear has grown that education will once again move to the back-burner. I assert that this would be a fatal mistake. The road out of our economic crisis and the foundation of any long-term recovery rests in the creation and promotion of a sound educational system.
The economy of fifty years ago no longer exists. Our world is more interconnected then ever before, and as a result we must adjust. To be competitive in this new global environment an educated work force is a necessity.
The need for help will also become more acute if this crisis continues. As tax revenue falls, funding for public services (like education) will surely fall too; as states are forced to cut back. The future government must not let this happen. To cut funding in education is to sacrifice the future opportunities for our children.
The members I represent are looking for real solutions and answers as to how the educational system will be run by future governments. We are looking for honest and clear policies and look forward to seeing them in the coming days.
Lauren McDonald
The National Teachers Rally President
Franklin Workers Alliance Co-Chair
Letter to the Editor
The global economic meltdown has hit us all. Economies here at home and across the globe are faltering and shrinking. There can be no doubt that our economy, like that of our neighbors, is headed in the wrong direction.
Time can be spent pointing fingers later, but now we must no longer ignore an issue that has for too long been neglected. Since the absolute monarch fell four years ago we have witnessed a great democratic transition. Yet, we have also seen three consecutive democratically elected governments fail to address the issues facing education today.
Through three election cycles parties have promised veiled promises wrapped in empty rhetoric on the education issue. Furthermore, in the past three governments little effort has been made to confront the problems facing our nation's educational system.
Now with our nation facing a crippling economic contraction, the fear has grown that education will once again move to the back-burner. I assert that this would be a fatal mistake. The road out of our economic crisis and the foundation of any long-term recovery rests in the creation and promotion of a sound educational system.
The economy of fifty years ago no longer exists. Our world is more interconnected then ever before, and as a result we must adjust. To be competitive in this new global environment an educated work force is a necessity.
The need for help will also become more acute if this crisis continues. As tax revenue falls, funding for public services (like education) will surely fall too; as states are forced to cut back. The future government must not let this happen. To cut funding in education is to sacrifice the future opportunities for our children.
The members I represent are looking for real solutions and answers as to how the educational system will be run by future governments. We are looking for honest and clear policies and look forward to seeing them in the coming days.
Lauren McDonald
The National Teachers Rally President
Franklin Workers Alliance Co-Chair
The Environmental Movement
The Franklin Times -
The Environmental Protection Council (EPC), one of the certified interest groups, has announced its 4th Annual National Convention will be held this weekend. It is inviting representatives from the political parties to speak at its convention. Any party interested in speaking is to reply to this post and submit a speech.
"We hope all the parties will attend and inform our members of their plans to protect and defend our precious environment," said Eric Greene, President of EPC.
The Environmental Protection Council (EPC), one of the certified interest groups, has announced its 4th Annual National Convention will be held this weekend. It is inviting representatives from the political parties to speak at its convention. Any party interested in speaking is to reply to this post and submit a speech.
"We hope all the parties will attend and inform our members of their plans to protect and defend our precious environment," said Eric Greene, President of EPC.
Aiming for the Gun Vote
The Capital Courier -
Gun Gala - This weekend, thousands of gun owners will meet at the Gun Gala, the largest gun show held in Franklin. The annual event, held this year in the nation's capital, represents not only a prime opportunity for gun buyers and sellers to do business, but also represents a political event.
"As our nation moves into its democratic future, it is critically important that our government respect the rights of gun owners," explained Greg Godsen, President of the Franklin Rifle Association (FRA). "Our members will be looking closely at the parties' policies and views when it comes to gun ownership."
Godsen went on to explain that while the group will not be extending direct invites to the parties, they encourage the parties to submit clear policies and views to the FRA's Executive Council that can be considered when making endorsement decisions. This can be done by both responding to the story.
Many political analysts agree that gun rights will not play a pivotal role in the 2010 election, but this interest group and its supporters could play crucial roles in key states. "This will force many political parties to develop a delicate balancing act," stated Kyle Smithson, a political analyst.
Gun ownership is extremely high in the western States, while gun control remains a popular issue in urban areas of the East.
Gun Gala - This weekend, thousands of gun owners will meet at the Gun Gala, the largest gun show held in Franklin. The annual event, held this year in the nation's capital, represents not only a prime opportunity for gun buyers and sellers to do business, but also represents a political event.
"As our nation moves into its democratic future, it is critically important that our government respect the rights of gun owners," explained Greg Godsen, President of the Franklin Rifle Association (FRA). "Our members will be looking closely at the parties' policies and views when it comes to gun ownership."
Godsen went on to explain that while the group will not be extending direct invites to the parties, they encourage the parties to submit clear policies and views to the FRA's Executive Council that can be considered when making endorsement decisions. This can be done by both responding to the story.
Many political analysts agree that gun rights will not play a pivotal role in the 2010 election, but this interest group and its supporters could play crucial roles in key states. "This will force many political parties to develop a delicate balancing act," stated Kyle Smithson, a political analyst.
Gun ownership is extremely high in the western States, while gun control remains a popular issue in urban areas of the East.
A Matter of Education
The Franklin Times -
The National Teachers Rally, the nation's largest teachers union, is organizing an educational forum. The forum's purpose, as explained by NTR's President Lauren McDonald, is to provide an opportunity for a free ranging and thought provoking discussion on the current issues facing education.
"As the educators of Franklin, we believe that education is a prime issue for our nation. It is also a complex issue that cannot be discussed in sound bites and press releases. A real discussion and debate is needed if we are ever to see progress. That is the purpose of this forum," explain McDonald.
The NTR invites all parties to participate in the forum. Parties are invited to participate through an internet discussion room sponsored by Nicenet. Parties willing to participate are encouraged to access the forum through the Nicenet link on the NECs election wiki and comment on the "Future of Education" thread.
The National Teachers Rally, the nation's largest teachers union, is organizing an educational forum. The forum's purpose, as explained by NTR's President Lauren McDonald, is to provide an opportunity for a free ranging and thought provoking discussion on the current issues facing education.
"As the educators of Franklin, we believe that education is a prime issue for our nation. It is also a complex issue that cannot be discussed in sound bites and press releases. A real discussion and debate is needed if we are ever to see progress. That is the purpose of this forum," explain McDonald.
The NTR invites all parties to participate in the forum. Parties are invited to participate through an internet discussion room sponsored by Nicenet. Parties willing to participate are encouraged to access the forum through the Nicenet link on the NECs election wiki and comment on the "Future of Education" thread.
The Stem Cell Debate
The Franklin Times -
As of now, the Franklin States has no national policy in regards to stem-cell research. As the research expands it may become necessary for the new government to develop a clear policy in regards to this issue. Below is a story about recent changes in stem-cell policies within the United States.
By BEN FELLER and LAURAN NEERGAARD, Associated Press Writers Ben Feller And Lauran Neergaard, Associated Press Writers
WASHINGTON – Eight years of frustration are close to an end for scientists seeking ways to use embryonic stem cells to combat illness and injury.
On Monday, President Barack Obama plans to reverse limits imposed by President George W. Bush on using federal money for research with embryonic stem cells.
The long-promised move will allow a rush of research aimed at one day better treating, if not curing, ailments from diabetes to paralysis — research that is has drawn broad support, including from notables like Nancy Reagan, widow of the late Republican President Ronald Reagan, and the late Christopher Reeve.
But it stirs intense controversy over whether government crosses a moral line with such research, and opponents promptly denounced the move.
Obama will hold an event at the White House to announce the move, a senior administration official said Friday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the policy had not yet been publicly announced.
Embryonic stem cells are master cells that can morph into any cell of the body. Scientists hope to harness them so they can create replacement tissues to treat a variety of diseases — such as new insulin-producing cells for diabetics, cells that could help those with Parkinson's disease or maybe even Alzheimer's, or new nerve connections to restore movement after spinal injury.
"I feel vindicated after eight years of struggle, and I know it's going to energize my research team," said Dr. George Daley of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute and Children's Hospital of Boston, a leading stem cell researcher.
But the research is controversial because days-old embryos must be destroyed to obtain the cells. They typically are culled from fertility-clinic leftovers otherwise destined to be thrown away.
Under Bush, taxpayer money for that research was limited to a small number of stem cell lines that were created before Aug. 9, 2001, lines that in many cases had some drawbacks that limited their potential usability.
But hundreds more of such lines — groups of cells that can continue to propagate in lab dishes — have been created since then, ones that scientists say are healthier, better suited to creating treatments for people rather than doing basic laboratory science.
Work didn't stop. Indeed, it advanced enough that this summer, the private Geron Corp. will begin the world's first study of a treatment using human embryonic stem cells, in people who recently suffered a spinal cord injury.
Nor does Obama's change fund creation of new lines. But it means that scientists who until now have had to rely on private donations to work with these newer stem cell lines can apply for government money for the research, just like they do for studies of gene therapy or other treatment approaches.
The aim of the policy is to restore "scientific integrity" to the process, the administration official said.
"America's biomedical research enterprise experienced steady decline over the past eight years, with shrinking budgets and policies that elevated ideology over science. This slowed the pace of discovery and the search for cures," said Sean Morrison, director of the University of Michigan's Center for Stem Cell Biology.
Critics immediately denounced the move.
"Taxpayers should not have to foot the bill for experiments that require the destruction of human life," said Tony Perkins of the conservative Family Research Council. "President Obama's policy change is especially troubling given the significant adult stem cell advances that are being used to treat patients now without harming or destroying human embryos."
Indeed, there are different types of stem cells: So-called adult stem cells that produce a specific type of tissue; younger stem cells found floating in amniotic fluid or the placenta. Scientists even have learned to reprogram certain cells to behave like stem cells.
But even researchers who work with varying types consider embryonic stem cells the most flexible and thus most promising form — and say that science, not politics, should ultimately judge.
"Science works best and patients are served best by having all the tools at our disposal," Daley said.
Obama made it clear during the campaign he would overturn Bush's directive.
During the campaign, Obama said, "I strongly support expanding research on stem cells. I believe that the restrictions that President Bush has placed on funding of human embryonic stem cell research have handcuffed our scientists and hindered our ability to compete with other nations."
He said he would lift Bush's ban and "ensure that all research on stem cells is conducted ethically and with rigorous oversight."
"Patients and people who've been patient advocates are going to be really happy," said Amy Comstock Rick of the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research.
The ruling brought change: Scientists who've had to meticulously keep separate their federally funded research and their privately funded stem cell work — from buying separate microscopes to even setting up labs in different buildings — don’t have that expensive hurdle anymore.
Next, scientists were allowed to apply for research grants from the National Institutes of Health. The NIH already wrote guidelines that, among other things, are expected to demand that the cells being used were derived with proper informed consent from the woman or couple who donated the original embryo.
As of now, the Franklin States has no national policy in regards to stem-cell research. As the research expands it may become necessary for the new government to develop a clear policy in regards to this issue. Below is a story about recent changes in stem-cell policies within the United States.
By BEN FELLER and LAURAN NEERGAARD, Associated Press Writers Ben Feller And Lauran Neergaard, Associated Press Writers
WASHINGTON – Eight years of frustration are close to an end for scientists seeking ways to use embryonic stem cells to combat illness and injury.
On Monday, President Barack Obama plans to reverse limits imposed by President George W. Bush on using federal money for research with embryonic stem cells.
The long-promised move will allow a rush of research aimed at one day better treating, if not curing, ailments from diabetes to paralysis — research that is has drawn broad support, including from notables like Nancy Reagan, widow of the late Republican President Ronald Reagan, and the late Christopher Reeve.
But it stirs intense controversy over whether government crosses a moral line with such research, and opponents promptly denounced the move.
Obama will hold an event at the White House to announce the move, a senior administration official said Friday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the policy had not yet been publicly announced.
Embryonic stem cells are master cells that can morph into any cell of the body. Scientists hope to harness them so they can create replacement tissues to treat a variety of diseases — such as new insulin-producing cells for diabetics, cells that could help those with Parkinson's disease or maybe even Alzheimer's, or new nerve connections to restore movement after spinal injury.
"I feel vindicated after eight years of struggle, and I know it's going to energize my research team," said Dr. George Daley of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute and Children's Hospital of Boston, a leading stem cell researcher.
But the research is controversial because days-old embryos must be destroyed to obtain the cells. They typically are culled from fertility-clinic leftovers otherwise destined to be thrown away.
Under Bush, taxpayer money for that research was limited to a small number of stem cell lines that were created before Aug. 9, 2001, lines that in many cases had some drawbacks that limited their potential usability.
But hundreds more of such lines — groups of cells that can continue to propagate in lab dishes — have been created since then, ones that scientists say are healthier, better suited to creating treatments for people rather than doing basic laboratory science.
Work didn't stop. Indeed, it advanced enough that this summer, the private Geron Corp. will begin the world's first study of a treatment using human embryonic stem cells, in people who recently suffered a spinal cord injury.
Nor does Obama's change fund creation of new lines. But it means that scientists who until now have had to rely on private donations to work with these newer stem cell lines can apply for government money for the research, just like they do for studies of gene therapy or other treatment approaches.
The aim of the policy is to restore "scientific integrity" to the process, the administration official said.
"America's biomedical research enterprise experienced steady decline over the past eight years, with shrinking budgets and policies that elevated ideology over science. This slowed the pace of discovery and the search for cures," said Sean Morrison, director of the University of Michigan's Center for Stem Cell Biology.
Critics immediately denounced the move.
"Taxpayers should not have to foot the bill for experiments that require the destruction of human life," said Tony Perkins of the conservative Family Research Council. "President Obama's policy change is especially troubling given the significant adult stem cell advances that are being used to treat patients now without harming or destroying human embryos."
Indeed, there are different types of stem cells: So-called adult stem cells that produce a specific type of tissue; younger stem cells found floating in amniotic fluid or the placenta. Scientists even have learned to reprogram certain cells to behave like stem cells.
But even researchers who work with varying types consider embryonic stem cells the most flexible and thus most promising form — and say that science, not politics, should ultimately judge.
"Science works best and patients are served best by having all the tools at our disposal," Daley said.
Obama made it clear during the campaign he would overturn Bush's directive.
During the campaign, Obama said, "I strongly support expanding research on stem cells. I believe that the restrictions that President Bush has placed on funding of human embryonic stem cell research have handcuffed our scientists and hindered our ability to compete with other nations."
He said he would lift Bush's ban and "ensure that all research on stem cells is conducted ethically and with rigorous oversight."
"Patients and people who've been patient advocates are going to be really happy," said Amy Comstock Rick of the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research.
The ruling brought change: Scientists who've had to meticulously keep separate their federally funded research and their privately funded stem cell work — from buying separate microscopes to even setting up labs in different buildings — don’t have that expensive hurdle anymore.
Next, scientists were allowed to apply for research grants from the National Institutes of Health. The NIH already wrote guidelines that, among other things, are expected to demand that the cells being used were derived with proper informed consent from the woman or couple who donated the original embryo.
A Question of Religious Freedom
The Nordonia News -
Religious freedom is considered by many to be a central tenet of any stable democracy. It enables individuals the freedom to choose religious beliefs and conduct that reinforces their moral beings. Yet, at times this can conflict with the wider state. Where is the line between individual religious rights and the powers of the state? Recent conditions in France bring this debate to the forefront for all.
Read More...
Religious freedom is considered by many to be a central tenet of any stable democracy. It enables individuals the freedom to choose religious beliefs and conduct that reinforces their moral beings. Yet, at times this can conflict with the wider state. Where is the line between individual religious rights and the powers of the state? Recent conditions in France bring this debate to the forefront for all.
Read More...
The Costs of Higher Education
The Nordonia News -
There is no question that the global economy is transforming. Modern post-industrial economies, like that of the Franklin States, are increasingly becoming knowledge-based. This means the future keys to economic success rest not with manual skills but with knowledge and skills fostered through formal education.
These changes lead us to question what kind of public investment must be placed in institutes of higher education. There are no easy answers as the U.S. and European models demonstrate. In the United States, where higher education costs rest with the individuals, college tuition expenses are exploding. Many tuition rates in both state and private schools have doubled in less than ten years. These high costs are placing severe strain on the ability of many to afford college educations. In Europe a public financing system is witnessing increased fiscal strain.
There is no question that the global economy is transforming. Modern post-industrial economies, like that of the Franklin States, are increasingly becoming knowledge-based. This means the future keys to economic success rest not with manual skills but with knowledge and skills fostered through formal education.
These changes lead us to question what kind of public investment must be placed in institutes of higher education. There are no easy answers as the U.S. and European models demonstrate. In the United States, where higher education costs rest with the individuals, college tuition expenses are exploding. Many tuition rates in both state and private schools have doubled in less than ten years. These high costs are placing severe strain on the ability of many to afford college educations. In Europe a public financing system is witnessing increased fiscal strain.
An Issue in Hunter
The state legislative of Hunter today announced the creation of a referendum for the upcoming election regarding student privacy. The referendum if approved will provide laptops to every student in districts that meet the state requirements. The catch for state funding of laptops is that these laptops will include webcams that can be activated on demand and track what a student is doing at any given time.
Several interest groups have publicly stated opposition against the laptop referendum. Riegle Far, leader of the FCC (Franklinites for a Conservative Change) said that they fear higher taxes included in the referendum to raise state money for the laptops. A representative from the Civil Liberties Council, Wayne Plant stated. "The CLC believes that the the ability to spy on private citizens with any of sort of visual device is an invasion of privacy and violates the Franklin Compact."
Other groups are in favor of the laptop referendum. The NTU (National Teacher Union) in particular supports the laptop referendum. A written statement was sent to Trio News from the NTU saying towards the end of the statement, "As schools become more electronic based, computers will be a necessity for students and this referendum is a step foward in establishing the future of public schooling."
Questions must be raised. Will other states consider similar referendums or laws in the future. Is it truly an invasion of privacy or is it part of the change to electronic connected schooling? What will the future plurality party do?
Several interest groups have publicly stated opposition against the laptop referendum. Riegle Far, leader of the FCC (Franklinites for a Conservative Change) said that they fear higher taxes included in the referendum to raise state money for the laptops. A representative from the Civil Liberties Council, Wayne Plant stated. "The CLC believes that the the ability to spy on private citizens with any of sort of visual device is an invasion of privacy and violates the Franklin Compact."
Other groups are in favor of the laptop referendum. The NTU (National Teacher Union) in particular supports the laptop referendum. A written statement was sent to Trio News from the NTU saying towards the end of the statement, "As schools become more electronic based, computers will be a necessity for students and this referendum is a step foward in establishing the future of public schooling."
Questions must be raised. Will other states consider similar referendums or laws in the future. Is it truly an invasion of privacy or is it part of the change to electronic connected schooling? What will the future plurality party do?
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