Jan
28
Where to Trim the Budget?
Filed Under Elections | 12 Comments
With the federal government running a debt, each state is being held financially responsible for more and more of its own programs. While federal money used to be directed towards state sponsored programs, states are suddenly trying to absorb federal shortfalls and continue to offer a consistent level of services. Each state must determine how best to cover these shortfalls and where to trim the budget for the coming years.
Each State Legislature is tasked with determining where the budget can be cut or trimmed to save much needed dollars. They will debate information related to each program and take relevant testimony from expert witnesses. They will listen to their constituents and determine how the proposed cuts will impact the citizens of the state. State and local governments will review their ability to raises taxes and other potential revenues.
Trimming the budget will leave some citizens feeling upset or angry. Unfortunately, when budgets are cut, the impact is felt on a personal level. Funding for education, roads, libraries, parks and public services touch people’s everyday lives. Citizens can debate information back and forth but if one area gets funds another areas looses funds. With the current financial crisis raging on every front, states are making difficult decisions for the future of its people.
Jan
27
The End of Presidential Campaign 2008
Filed Under Elections | 7 Comments
It seemed like the recent Presidential campaign lasted longer than those in the past. Maybe it was the insane and constant media coverage or the fact that I followed it closely due to the current economic crisis, but did we learn anything about our candidates through the media coverage? I learned about the presidential and vice presidential candidates through the debate information exchanged at the several debates held prior to the election. In the debate forum, they were speaking about problems our country is facing and experience that would prepare them to deal with our current problems.
Another benefit of using debate information to make election decisions is you are making your own decision and not allowing media influences to cloud your judgment. Each media outlet has a bias toward one candidate. While they claim to be fair or balanced, one candidate tends to get more positive press depending on what news channel you watch or which newspaper you read.
No matter which candidate you voted for on November 4th, I wish President Obama luck in fulfilling the promises he made to the American public during his debates. His success and failures as a president will be played out on the stage of public opinion and the media has the clips to play over and over again if he doesn’t fulfill his objectives.