Haiti’s tragic events could happen anywhere in the world. Some estimate the 7.0 earthquake could reach a final death toll of nearly 200,000 individuals. In addition, Haiti’s capital city, Port-au-Prince, has been ravished due to poor building design and construction.
Independent voters continue to set the tone across America. In last night's upset GOP victory in the Massachusetts special election, independents made their presence felt as they shocked the Democratic establishment.
As Americans, we are privileged to inherit the legacy of leaders who fought for equality and delivered on our forefathers’ promise of being a more perfect union. Foremost amongst these great leaders is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a man who came to embody the Civil Rights Movement and paved the way for people of all colors to achieve the American Dream.
In 1995, Congress addressed this issue with the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, sponsored by Republican Senator Kempthorne of Indiana and signed into law by Democratic President Bill Clinton. The purpose of the bill was “to curb the practice of imposing unfunded Federal mandates on States and local governments..." and "to end the imposition, in the absence of full consideration by Congress, of Federal mandates on State, local, and tribal governments…” The problem: the Act so narrowly defined what is considered an “unfunded mandate” that it is largely, and obviously, ignored.
In their charge to aid President Obama in delivering the sweeping change he promised almost one year ago, the US Congress has their hands full.
Besides pending healthcare legislation and financial reform, the Democratically-controlled Congress is looking into two other issues, both of which happen to be of particular significance to California: climate change and immigration.
If enacted, California could be disproportionately affected by a proposed annual tax in the national health overhaul legislation. A fine-print provision in the Senate bill would tax health insurers, such as Kaiser Permanente, while exempting plans offered by large employers who pay their employees' medical claims. Don Crane, chief executive of the California Association of Physician Groups, stated, "It's a real killer for California. Why should California pay more for healthcare reform than, say, Idaho or New York?
The average legislative proposition which receives inclusion on California’s ballot is by no means unimpeachable, whatever its supporters may write. Indeed, much as the democratic process is glorified within American political culture, it is often the case that the ballot initiative process generally, and California’s ballot initiative process in particular, is nothing more than a legislative soapbox through which partisan interests can enforce their desires.
Did you expect taxes to increase or decrease for 2010? If you are a homeowner and/or formerly unemployed, and the governor is successful in a new initiative, you may receive a tax credit of up to $10,000. Brace yourselves for it: Californians who own homes may indeed get a break during 2010.
In 1957, the Soviet launching of Sputnik shocked the United States into action on the science, technology, and education fronts. As the nation attempts to slowly rebound from a prolonged, severe recession, perhaps China will be America's 21st century Sputnik.