Where are our priorities?

In a time in which millions of people are losing their homes, lands, places of business, schools, and children, our news media decides to do what? Oh, that's right, talk about oil drilling.
What a convenient time, lets add stress to America's people as their hearts go out to the millions effected by the Tsunami.  According to http://www.mediamatters.org/, Hardeep Dhillon writes a commentary titled, "Fox Interrupts Earthquake Coverage to Push For Oil Drilling."
Nice, isn't it?
Wall Street Journal's Steve Moore plays an interesting roll in the video clip. He says that gas prices are the number one thing on America's mind, and that, " I mean, the way I put it is Jenna is that every time we can drill for oil here in the United States every barrel, that's one less barrel we have to get from these countries like Saudi Arabia, like Iran and Iraq, like Libya that some so much turmoil." However, he goes on to say that this idea conflicts with the Presidential Policy on moving ahead.
Shouldn't it be the roll of every great Leader to have their Country be completely self-sufficient? I know the roll of a mother is to have her child be self-sufficient. Why does the same rule not apply here?
The author, Hardeep Dhillon concludes his argument by saying, "However, Moore is right about one thing - the "bigger issue is what we are doing in the long term." Unfortunately for Fox News and Moore, "drill, baby, drill" is just not going to cut it."
And unfortunatly, the demand for gas is only going up as we appraoch the Summer months, and so are the prices. But, the timing of the argument was not appropriate because people were attempting to gain information about the Tsunami, and not be troubled by the continuing oil debate.

Source: http:///www.mediamatter.org/blog/20110311022

Who are we really hurting?

With all of the recent news and legislation about school districts needing to cut costs across the board, who are we really hurting? It is evident, that answer is the kids.
Our kids are going to be the one's who suffer when attempting to help the nation repair it's economic deficit. Time magazine reported on one story about Rhode Island school districts sending out notice letters to some 2,000 teachers who are about to be out of work. So what is it that those children will have to look forward to next school year? Over crowded classrooms? A teacher to student ration of 40:1? I'm sure that will help to increase the education level in the United States.
There are already so many issues in our education system: we teach to a standardized test, we have dropped discipline in the schools, etc... It is not a wonder that the United States education system is really starting to fall behind in comparison to other nations education systems.
It's sad really. Not only are we going to be lacking in those areas, but now extracurricular activities are going to be affected. The staff will not be there to coach the children, lighting for gym' s is no longer going to be an option, and now at an age when children are the most influenced, they are going to be left with nothing but a lot of free time. Children need structure, and what better way to provide it then by providing organized activities.
I really hope the legislation stops and thinks about just how detrimental these new budget decreases actually will be.

Time Magazine: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2055436,00.html

Click Above Video to View About Health Care

Health Care

This is a new take on Health Care. Do we honestly feel that the US Government is going to be able to repair a system that is so corrupt. Even with Health Care, the medical cost is out of control. Having insurance, an average family of 4 spends between $300 - $400 a month on premiums, usually with high medical deductibles. This is strictly for preventative care, not even necessarily for major medical. Now, I do agree that we all need health care for major medical, but minor visits to the doctor should not warrant such high costs. Did you know that you get a price break if you don't have insurance? That's right, typically 60-80% off of the original bill. Craziness!!!! We do have medical insurance, but I do not feel that we use a year's worth of premiums in medical expenses. Nor do we receive much of a tax break for these benefits.
Good luck to the group that takes this battle on! It's going to be a long, hard fight!

Political Ideology

I chose to take this government class for two reasons: the first is that it is part of my requirement for my degree program. The second reason, is that I am seeking a degree in Health and Kinesiology, but I would one day like to teach and I am leaning towards government/history along with coaching. My political ideas are pretty simple: I am not strongly opinionated, but I want a strong future for my children. I don't feel that the current education system meets that criteria, but that is why I want to teach. So that maybe I can make a difference in education and with children.