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My Favorite Holiday!

0 comments Posted by Anne O at 4:35 PM


My favorite holiday is Christmas! Well first and foremost, it is Jesus' Birth which is very important in my religion (Christianity). 

It is also the best time of year, with snow, decorations, and break from school. During Christmas time, my family gets together. Me and my immediate family either go to Nigeria (country where my parents are from) or our family in Nigeria comes her to us. My cousin is coming for her 4th Christmas in America in hopes to see snow for the first time.

It's all about giving. As much as I love getting presents on Christmas or any other day, I also love to give presents. I love shopping for them and wrapping them, and seeing the expression of whoever recieves them. I love the decorations, all the Christmas lights, and window displays everywhere. I also am a big fan of the food. Cookies, cookies, and more cookies! Gingerbread houses, and eggnong.

The one thing my family does all through the Christmas season ( from thanksgiving to New years) is we watch the Hallmark channel and their corny movies that all have the same plot. I still love it though, it adds to the season. It makes my dad super angry, because he is outnumbered in our house ( 4 girls to him) and we force him to watch them with us. We also love Christmas music, and every Christmas Eve, after reading the Christmas Story, we go caroling. Tradition, that is another thing I love Christmas, how it keeps tradition in my family!

FIVE MORE DAYS!

 

Political cartoon 4

0 comments Posted by Anne O at 4:13 PM



 

1. This cartoon was drawn by Bob Gorrell.


2. It is titled "Dubai" and was published in the Creators syndicate. It was published on December 5, 2009.


3. The issue/ event the cartoon deals with Dubai's economic crisis.



4. The overall message the cartoon displays is that if Dubai's economy has fallen, the rest of the world is screwed.


5. I agree with the cartoon's message. Dubai, generally is an economically booming region. With man-made islands in different shapes and many lavish hotels, that no doubt, many wealthy Americans have stayed in. With their economic downfall they have had to make a request to pay back their loans later. There are some American banks that have invested in those projects. So Dubai's economic downturn will make the American economic issues worse.

 

Political Cartoon 3

0 comments Posted by Anne O at 3:36 PM



1. Jeff Stahler drew this cartoon.

2. It was published in the "Columbus Dispatch on December 18, 2009.

3. This cartoon deals with the Health care reform bill, which is currently being discussed in congress.

4. The Cartoon's message is that the government should just leave health care alone. With the influence of government in health care, it is making matters worse for Americans in need of medical assistance.

5. I don't really agree with cartoon, nothing has really happened yet, so it seem like it is soon to jump to conclusions on what life post- healthcare reform bill will be like. Also if things were to change for the worse, I do not think it would be as bad as Stahler is portraying it to be like.

 

Religious Displays During the Holidays

0 comments Posted by Anne O at 2:56 PM

I feel that during the holidays, religous displays are okay. After all our country was founded under Christian beliefs and our constitution also gives everyone the Freedom of Speech and Religion, as long as it doesn't infringe on the freedoms of others, and putting up a Christmas tree in the middle of town does not. So there is no reason to be politically correct during these times. Also Christmas is now so much in the American culture, that I believe there are those out there who do not celebrate it for what it truly is, Jesus' Birth, but for the gifts, and for Santa, and the North Pole. It is now a very secular holiday, and what is being dislayed, show more of the secular side of the holiday, there are no mangers just christmas trees and lights.

I feel that people should forget about being poltically correct and remember that 'tis the season to give thanks and spend with family.

 

Current state of health care reform

0 comments Posted by Anne O at 3:58 PM

Currently in the Senate there was a 60-39 vote last Saturday to overcome the Republican filibuster. The only problem, was that most democrats were not on board. As the Thanksgiving recess comes to an end, the senate will begin there debates on the health care reform bill. Republicans have shown their disgust with the public option, and will not be able to filibuster, so it will be interesting to see how the health care bill changes over the next couple of weeks.

I believe that we need a universal health care. I don't really understand what the public option is. If that means that I cannot choose my doctor, I don't like it. But if it doesn't effect who we choose as our doctors I do not see what the problem is. I also think that the main focus of the bill should be how to insure those who are not provided insurance through their jobs, and those that are unemployed. We shouldn't toil with those who already have insurance.



picture from: clarionadvisory.com/

 

Political cartoon 2

0 comments Posted by Anne O at 3:33 PM



1. Walt Handelsman drew this cartoon

2. This cartoon is called 'Pre-existing Condition'. It was published in Newsday on November 11, 2009.

3. The issue this cartoon deals with is the health care debate.

4. The message the cartoon displays is basically that the republicans are being stubborn, when it comes to the Health care debate, and that they will not consider anything.

5. I do not agree with the cartoon's message. I can see how, their action show a bit of wanting the democrats to fail. But they are also working for the good of the people, and want to cover as many people who are uncovered, while allowing those with insurance to keep their insurance. They also want to keep small insurance companies in business.

 

Poltical Cartoon 1

0 comments Posted by Anne O at 1:39 PM


 

Poltical cartoon 1

0 comments Posted by Anne O at 1:02 PM

1. This Cartoon was drawn by Jeff Staler.

2. It was published in the Columbus Dispatch on November 20, 2009.

3. The Cartoon deals with the H1N1 vaccine crisis, and how there was not enough for all who wanted one.
4.Basically the message of the cartoon is that not even important people, like 'Santa Claus' have the priority in getting the vaccine. It emphasizes that many people who might want the vaccine don't get the opportunity to get one, making fun of the situation. The priority is pregnant women, caregivers who work with children under 6 months, health care and emergency personal, persons aged 6 months to 24 years, and persons aged 25-65 with health issues.

5. I agree with the cartoon, if you want the shot you should be able to get it. It is not like the whole country is desperate for the vaccine.

 

Qualities and Characteristics of a new Principal

0 comments Posted by Anne O at 3:04 PM


First and foremost, the most important thing Herndon needs right now, is a principal who is willing to stay and commit to Herndon. It should be someone who actually cares about the students of Herndon High School and does more than just sit at a desk and make new rules. He/ she should take the time to get to know the students and teachers of our school. They should be active in most of our school activities (sporting events, concerts, etc). I really loved Mr. Cooper, for the first time in high school, I felt like we had a true principal. I would seem him more in a day than I saw Gus in his whole time

It was announced on Friday that Mr. Bates is our new Principal. I believe, after seeing a majority of our hate for hasty principals will stay. He also has Herndon pride which I think is essential. The only problem, is who will be our grade's assistant Principal. In seventh grade we had a new person every two weeks. It will be interesting to see who it will be.

 

Election Results!!

0 comments Posted by Anne O at 3:57 PM

Robert McDonnell, the republican, won the Governor's position in Virginia.

Margaret Chin, the Democrat, won the city council position in NYC.

Tom Rust, the Republican, was reelected as delegate of the 86th district in Virginia.

 

Personal Response: War in Afghanistan

0 comments Posted by Anne O at 11:52 PM


More and more Americans are beginning to think that the war in Afghanistan is no longer worth fighting for. I have to agree with them, I have confidence in our country's quest to defeat the Taliban, and I don't agree that war is the ultimate answer, but we are already there. I also feel that Afghanistan was the place we should have gone to from the beginning, not Iraq, especially since we had a lot of evidence that Osama Bin Ladin was in Afghanistan.

It will be interesting to see how to war progresses in the coming weeks. I am interested to find out more on Obama's view on the war.

 

Current event 6: Supply-Side Ideas, Turned Upside Down

0 comments Posted by Anne O at 10:36 PM


Background- President Obama's health care reform is the antithesis of President Reagan's supply-side economics. Reagan started with the idea that people respond to incentives. They key economic concept was the marginal tax rate.


Summary- Obama wants to increase the marginal tax rate, which would implicitly be part of the health care reform. This posses a huge problem, healthy people (those without pre-exiting health problems) can wait to buy insurance, which would screw up the community rating, a problem in itself, part of the health reform. So basically, in order for the health care reform to work a lot of money will be spent.


Analysis- Reagan's supply-side economics, the marginal tax rate came from 50% to 28%. With Obama increasing the marginal tax rate, many middle class families will be affected. According to Reagan higher marginal tax rates discourage the American from working to their potential.


Commentary- I definitely think that a universal health program is needed in the United States, but it still needs some work. Increasing the marginal tax rate to implicitly put money into the health care reform, is not what I feel is the right thing to do. It will be interesting to see how the bill transforms, in the coming weeks.
To read this article click here.

 

Current event 5: Woman poised to be 1st Chinese-American to represent N.Y.'s Chinatown

0 comments Posted by Anne O at 9:22 PM


Background- On November 3, New York city will have their Council elections. Margaret Chin, is one of the candidates to represent New York's Chinatown.


Summary- Margaret Chin, a Hong Kong immigrant, is poised to win New York City's council election. If elected, she will be the first Asian- American woman to join the body governing the country's most diverse urban area. Her family immigrated to America in 1963, and really worked at having the American dream. Because of that mentality she had with her family, one of her biggest passions is immigration reform. She is campaigning a bunch of other traditional issues like affordable housing, job opportunities, and better citizen care.


Analysis- Chin's predicted win will be a milestone in the political rise in the Asian- American community. In recent times, the overall government of America has becoming more and more diverse.


Commentary- I am very happy that this year is becoming a year of firsts. First African American President, and now the First Asian-American women council of Chin is elected. I hope soon in the future our country will have the first Woman President.
To read this article visit Click here

 

Who will win the Virginia Governor's race?

0 comments Posted by Anne O at 8:08 PM


I believe McDonnell, the republican candidate will win the governor's race. For one,McDonnell has been doing very well in the polls. He has won a lot of independents like myself, through his beliefs on jobs, transportation, and education. We see eye to eye for the most part. Three things, I feel are very important and relevant to issues ongoing throughout Virginia right now. Especially jobs, McDonnell proposed many thing for small businesses and economic development, and has tied both transportation and education back to the economy.

There has been some controversy with McDonnell however. His thesis from a long time ago which Deeds brought to the public's opinion. I do not believe what the thesis said, but one thing I hate about politics is how the DRAMA is like high school, very unnecessary. Even though he had the intentions of hurting McDonnell, I believe Deeds hurt himself in the long run, it makes him look like a little girl.

 

The Biggest Issue Virginia Faces

0 comments Posted by Anne O at 9:03 PM


I believe the biggest issue we face here in Virginia is Transportation. Being a part of the Washington Metropolitan area, are roads are very congested. We have to many cars, and a lot of bad roads. Both candidates for Governor and Governor Kaine have addressed this issue. But is time we actually take action. I am hoping that whoever our next governor is, will take this issue to heart, for the sake of all drivers safety.

 

Current event 4: Talks on Iranian Reactor Deal Show Divisions on Sanctions

0 comments Posted by Anne O at 9:13 PM

Background: In Tehran, there is a lot of low enriched uranium which the world wants for a research reactor that would be used for medical purposes.

Summary: Tomorrow, officials for Obama's administration, France, Russia, and Iran will be meeting to discuss a deal to get this Uranium. The United States are hoping that Iran will not cooperate, so that there would be a case for sanctions. There is a split between countries, France Great Britain and the United States are on one side and China and Russia are on the other. The later countries do not think a sanction is necessary, due to the current situation with Iran and their nuclear plant.

Commentary: It seems as if Iran has a lot of power over many countries, they pose a threat with a nuclear plant and they have something that lots of countries want, uranium. It will be interesting to see how the deal works out tomorrow.

To read this article go here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/17/AR2009101701856.html

 

Current event 3: DHS Reshapes Its Immigration Enforcement Program

0 comments Posted by Anne O at 8:51 PM


Background: Basically, states have been dealing with illegal immigration, however they want to. States like Texas have tried building walls on the border, other states use racial profiling, and arrest people for minor offenses to find the illegal immigrants. Obama's administration has decided to reshape and expand an already controversial program.


Summary: Local police units usually target illegal immigrants at large, but, this new system want the units to focus on those who commit major drug offenses or violent crimes. The goal is to cut back on racial profiling. There are some critics though, Republicans do not think that Obama should mess with the system already in place.


Analysis: Obama's administration seems very keen on eliminating illegal immigrants and enforcing immigration laws. He is also concerned at the well-being of others as well, trying to make sure that those who are here legally do not, get charged.


Commentary: Illegal immigration is something that I am very against. I do not think it is fair that a lot of people work hard to get into the country, while others smuggle themselves in, and sometimes never get caught. So I think it is good that Obama is taking steps to help eliminate the problem. I agree with the President, in the sense that we should not have racial profiling, but the illegal immigrants do need to be found somehow. It will be interesting to see if the changes make a difference in how many illegal immigrants are caught.

 

Obama's Report card

0 comments Posted by Anne O at 7:21 PM

Health Care: B-
I give Obama props on tackling Health Care. When giving his speech on Health Care reform in September. He makes the issue of health care a moral issues, by mention Ted Kennedy's legacy. He's taken a huge step by creating a reform policy. I just feel that he needs to tweak it a little., and make his points and policy details more clear to all American citizens.

economic downturn: C+
Obama has had good leadership, but a lot more is needed. The economy was bad when he took office and it has just gotten worse, with the unemployment rate rising , and much more. He has tried with the stimulus bill, we just need more.

War on terror- B+
Well, I didn't expect the war to be over as soon as Obama took office. There isn't much he can do, I feel with the whole situation. We can't completely leave Iraq, until we clean up our mess. From the beginning I thought that Afghanistan was more important, so I agree that we should keep our troops there a little longer.

 

Discuss One political issue you are personally interested in. Give us the issue and the reason why you are interested.

0 comments Posted by Anne O at 4:08 PM

One Issue that I am very concerned with, is legalized abortions, and whether they should or should not be legal. what makes this issue so heated is that it brings one's morals and ethics into the debate. I find myself alongside my conservative brothers and sisters, Pro-life.

To me abortion is a crime against life, one is basically killing a baby, so I think it is morally wrong. I know that I would never get an abortion. I also feel that if you are not raped, you have no reason to get an abortion, ever since 5th grade we learn in FLE that when, "a boy and a girl have sex, they make a baby." Therefore one should know the consequences of their actions. Now a days we are even learning about the risks of abortions. if one knows all of these things, why would one get them self into the situation.

There is always something that backs up one's morals and ethics, for me, it is my faith (Christianity) and parents. So I know I can't judge a woman for getting an abortion, but if everyone thought about how their lives would be had their mothers gotten abortions, I feel like everyone would agree with me.

 

Current Event One- U.S. to Iran: Prove your nuclear program is peaceful

0 comments Posted by Anne O at 7:20 PM

Background- The Iranian government created a nuclear program (this is illegal), which America has found out about it, and wants to fix the problem.

Summary- The Iranian government denied having an illegal program, but keeping the plant a secret makes the whole thing seem sketchy. Hilary Clinton has asked the Iranian government to prove that what they have built is not illegal and indeed a 'peaceful energy production' which Iran has agreed to.

Analysis- The government will have a long road ahead, trying to figure out how to stop what the Iranians are doing. It will be very important for other countries to participate along with the Americans, for it to be a success.

Commentary- In the article Sen Lindsey Graham said, "If the President of a country denies the Holocaust, you should believe the worst. " I definitely believe that quote. It will be interesting to see how everything unfolds. When whoever does the search in Iran goes, it will be hard, I feel, for them to find everything the Iranians are doing. They have managed to keep it a secret for this long. I do have faith in our government, however, which I feel will do its best.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/09/27/us.iran/index.html?iref=werecommend

 

What Political Party are you most closely aligned with? Why?

0 comments Posted by Anne O at 5:13 PM


I am an independent. I tend to lean more on the conservative side, but do have some libertarian tendincies. For example, I feel that states should have more power, but I hate taxes. I believe in a free economy, and that each American should work hard for their money. I also believe in a government that is truly for the people. I am very open-minded when it comes to different policies. When it comes time to voting, I hear both sides out, whoever I feel will be the better President, based on their views, will get my vote regardless of their political party.

 

Welcome!

0 comments Posted by Anne O at 5:11 PM

Welcome to my blog for APGOVT!

 

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