IMMIGRATION

Illegal immigration is a topic I do not take lightly nor do I believe the government should brush aside as an insignificant matter. Although the idea of hiring a cheap labor force seems ideal, it is wrong. Not only does there need to be tighter laws regarding employers hiring illegal immigrants as cheap labor by paying them minimum wage, but the government also needs to crack down on finding illegal immigrants, which has begun to happen recently.

For me, the topic of immigration hits at home. My mother is from the Middle East, and struggled through the process of becoming a U.S citizen. It is entirely unfair to come into the United States and refuse to become a citizen once here.

Policy made as an attempt to stop illegal immigration:

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1996

This was a clever policy established as an attempt to chastise illegal immigrant hiring employers. Not only did this act penalize the employers hiring illegal immigrants but it was also used to take away and deny rights to those who are illegal. This reform act was a great start towards tackling the immigration problem going on in the United States. And now more than ever, I feel as if immigration is finally being handled properly and affirmatively.

Session 12

                          Social Security

The problem about social secuirty nowadays is that it has become a way to redistribute wealth through society. As a republican, I believe in privatized social security. This means completely and totally putting an end to the distribution of social security and focusing on saving for individuals retirement.

Although putting an end to social security seems impossible and unable to accomplish within a short period of time because of the extensive crutch it gives to limit poverty, it can still slowly become possible so that the government can stop damaging retirement funds.

I will end on this note:

"Once you start diverting money from public social insurance into private accounts, privatization is occurring, to the detriment of the broader solvency of the program"



Session 11

HEALTH CARE

A.K.A THE “REPUBLICANS CRY FOR REPEAL”

Health care today has changed drastically compared to 10 years ago and I would have to say it is going downhill and fast.  Being republican and after reading over this session, these ideas still do not give me much confidence to any kind of improvement regarding health care. These are the aspects which I believe should not be modified and remain constant.  

Republican Party Platform on Health Care

• ABC for AIDS: Abstinence, Be faithful, Change behavior. (Sep 2004)
• Ethical research YES; embryo cells NO; cloning NO (Sep 2004)
• No assisted suicide. (Sep 2004)
• Government-run universal health care leads to inefficiencies. (Sep 2004)
• A reformed Medicare will give seniors choice, flexibility. (Aug 2000)
• Give individuals tools to manage their own health needs. (Aug 2000)
• Allow customization of insurance, support health centers. (Aug 2000)
• Lawyers should not hold physicians hostage. (Aug 2000)

Although the new ideas probably seem like a marvel for a lot of people in dire and desperate need, health care should stay privatized and not easily accessible and avaliable for everybody (in regards to those who do ont deserve it).

I am very curious how other students feel about the health care reform and whether or not they strongly oppose/agree with it. Also, whether or not one being republican  or democratic has a strong sway with the opinion.

"They want more power for the government," said Renier, 54, of Tucson, Ariz. "I don't believe the government has a right to tell us to buy health insurance."

“Tea party enthusiasm for repeal has failed to catch on with other groups, the poll found, which may be a problem for Republicans vowing to strike down Obama's signature accomplishment if they gain control of Congress in the Nov. 2 elections.”

Session 9

 Policy

Responses

After watching the film "American Dream", it is now evident to me that most people who are in dire need of welfare are not "feeling" the benefits of being able to attain it. It also seems as if attaining the welfare does not really make a difference on one's daily life, considering that people who were asked about being on welfare in "American Dream" could not tell the difference between when they were or were not currently on welfare. Not only does being on welfare seem to not make any significant difference, but the criteria's behind being eligable for welfare are extensive and detailed, which makes it much harder for some people to attain it (such as immigrants).

Also, it seems as if the Welfare Reform has yet to benefit those on it. Which is why a more succcessful form of Welfare needs to be proposed. And although the EITC seems like an effective way to lift people (mainly children) from being poverty sticken, it is still lacking in some areas--hince the amount of people, children and families still in poverty.

Session Seven:

Poverty

And

                                                 Wages

Does poverty come from the minimum wage standard set for many employees, or does it come from the pure lack of people willing to work and attain what wage they are able to receive? Working a 9 to 5 job and only earning $6.94 does not seem as if it would suffice for an individual to live comfortably in the midst of society. Although people look at jobs such as janitor, retail clerk, and security as not being equivalent to a lawyer, doctor or engineer, but it is  the fact that these “lower class” jobs still require hard word and long hours; even if these occupations did not require one to attend school for several years. Now, I am not saying it is fair in any way to pay those who are doing a “non-needed degree” job by the same token to those who are well-educated; but I am still unsure to whether or not the minimum wage limit is adequate enough to get those in desperate need of a job by.  After doing extensive research on minimum wage jobs, it is clear that being able to get by with a job paying no more than $9.00 per hour is a struggle, and almost impossible if there is a family involved. One who is working a minimum wage job may find it at their best interest to work a TIP paying job, that way they are able to leave the day with solid cash in  their hand, opposed to waiting for their next “set” pay check. Having to rely on a minimum paying job to create a living and budgeting money to support one’s self or a family is and always will be a struggle.

Furthermore, this proves the reason why staying in school and becoming well educated is terribly imperative.   

Session Six:

ECONOMICS and CAUSES

Of poverty

"If a man cannot be trusted with the government of himself, can he be trusted with the government of others?" [Thomas Jefferson]

QUESTIONS TO KEEP IN MIND:
1.Who do you think is poor?
2. Why do you believe people are poor in the US and globally?
3. What do you think is being done about poverty?
4. How well do you think poverty is being addressed currently in the U.S?
5. What do you personally think should be done about poverty?

Let me start with this statement, the money you earn is yours and that government in a free society has the right to take only as much as needed to perform those limited functions. The four theories to what cause poverty are interesting. Firstly, the lack of human capital I do not agree with much nor do I think it should be ONE of the four causes of poverty. Knowledge, skill, training and education are all available if people are willing to put forth the effort to achieve it. But, one statement in particular under some “suggested solutions” enticed me more than any other statement I have seen thus far: “Changing the personal characteristics of the poor; removing children from poor households” – Although a hefty statement and one that seems a bit dramatic, it almost seems as if it was need to be attempted to remove any possible or future prospective to fall under poverty.  

Session Five:

GLOBAL context

Isnt it strange that the U.S is said to suffer from more poverty than any other developing country [who have equal standards of living]? With all of the opportunities given to people who live in the United States, it is shocking to think we have one of the highest poverty rates within this wealthy, industrialized country.

Therefore, here are some more general questions to think about when regarding the gap between the rich and poor:
1) Were you aware of the growing gap between the rich and the poor?

Yes and no. If the economy were not where it is at this moment in time, I do not believe I, nor other people would be as aware of the gap between the rich and poor.

2) Why do you think the U.S. has higher income inequality than other industrialized countries?

Since this term refers to inequality among individuals and groups within a society- I would say that a majority of the income inequality in the U.S comes from the differences in opinions regarding ways to create wealth within the country.
3) Why do you think the U.S. has some of the highest poverty rates among industrialized countries?

Over-spending.
4) Do you think it’s possible to end extreme poverty? Why or why not?

I do not believe that poverty can be ended completely, but putting an end to EXTREME poverty does seem attainable. Jeffrey Sachs' nine ways to end extreme poverty seem to be the steps towards heading in the right directions- but his #1 step seems most sufficent and correct. It states, "Commit to the task: The whole world needs to embrace the goal to end extreme poverty". -- I thoroughly agree with this statement because nothing will be accomplished through one person.

Session Four:

GEORGRAPHY

of POVERTY

1.Who do you think is poor?

          It is interesting to see how the South has historically been the poorest region in comparison to other regions. Yet, when I think all the way back to times around the Civil War, it almost makes sense to why the South is in greater destitute. The north, having cities, has always been more developed and booming (economically as well) than the South.

2. Why do you believe people are poor in the US and globally?

        In this session, being in rural areas and living in a more “depressed” area that is not as developed seems to be the reason as to why the South is poorer than other regions. Yet, I do not believe the characteristics of the rural, such as “low education and wages, scarce jobs, high unemployment, isolation, inadequate physical infrastructure and social support services” is an EXCUSE for poor in this specific area; but it is more or else what people of the South are accustom to and typically do not know any different.

3. What do you think is being done about poverty?

       Region wise- nothing is being done specifically between fixing poverty between specific regions in the U.S. Things such as the mismatch hypothesis and the spatial mismatch hypothesis may or may not work in the recession we are facing today, but at this point- anything is worth trying to fix the ordeal.

         

Session Three:

QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT: 1.Who do you think is poor?
2. Why do you believe people are poor in the US and globally?
3. What do you think is being done about poverty?
4. How well do you think poverty is being addressed currently in the U.S?
5. What do you personally think should be done about poverty?

POVERTY in the UNITED STATES

1.      After reading through Poverty in the United States, my opinion on who is poor in the United States is slowly starting to sway in a different way. Looking through statistics and learning about Race in regards to poverty, it is astounding how races other than “white” are the ones whom are having a tougher time through this time of recession.  Why is it that the poverty among different ethnic groups and races is so strong?

2.      In my opinion, the unequal availabilities to those who live somewhere other than the United States seems to still be the reason why people are underprivileged globally. Yet, in the United States, the more I read the more I am starting to realize poorness is more of a trend. A trend which comes from children learning and retaining the “incorrect” ways to handle hardships, education and money.

3.      Different programs are available and are out there for use, but still unsure to whether or not they are the right programs, as well as IF people are using them CORRECTLY.

4.      Statistics are readily available to be studied and analyzed, yet the common folk are most likely not willing to thoroughly read through and understand where these statistics are coming from. The US needs to address the current situation in a way that will finally open the eyes of some Americans, because odd enough, some people still have their eyes shut.

5.      Pending answer....

Session Two

History & Poverty Measures

POST-QUESTIONS: 1.Who do you think is poor?
2. Why do you believe people are poor in the US and globally?
3. What do you think is being done about poverty?
4. How well do you think poverty is being addressed currently in the U.S?
5. What do you personally think should be done about poverty?

1.       “The lack of money and materialistic possessions” would be a general and obvious definition of “who” is poor, but I think factoring in the “dependence on charity” and “lacking in finances” and being financially SMART is a significant input into the definition on “who” is poor.

2.      In the United states, I believe always wanting MORE is the biggest problem. And globally, TREND and insufficient, unequal programs is a problem.

3.      Obviously, not enough is being done. The typical shelter programs, food stamp hand-out and welfare programs are not working anymore.

4.      I think it is not being addressed enough and the younger population should possibly learn less about the history of poverty and more about the present poverty.

5.      As of now, my view for on poverty is that with freedom comes the responsibility of that liberty. Individuals must take personal responsibility for their own actions and our government needs to follow this idea.

Session One: Personal Outlook

INITIAL QUESTIONS: 1.Who do you think is poor?
2. Why do you believe people are poor in the US and globally?
3. What do you think is being done about poverty?
4. How well do you think poverty is being addressed currently in the U.S?
5. What do you personally think should be done about poverty?
ANSWERS
1. How does one describe who is poor opposed to who is not? Poor can be defined as one having little money or few possessions, yet is that what "being poor" really is? Is it right to put the malnurished and underprivileged children whom know know difference for equal opportunity to be categorized as poor with those who voluntarily enagage and become addicted to drugs and end up on the streets, dripping in poverty; Is this a fair judgement? In my eyes, poverty and the poor are those who are not able to have access to the equal opportunities that we have in America.

2. When it comes to finding a reason why people in Americaare poor or are poverty stricken; there is none. Globally, people are typically in dire destitute because of the unequal chances given to people (or not given in this case).

3. In all honesty, it is hard to talk about what I think is being done to completely rid of poverty and prevent it as much as possible.- which actually shows the lack of publicity/media geared towards showing the extent of poverty.

4. Poverty is beyond any doubt not shown enough to the public eyes in the United States- therefore rarely thought about. If the poverty that is contiunally happening was shown more often, rather than being overlooked than maybe people would begin to realize the absoulte destitiute people are living through (globablly and in the U.S).

5. Although there are many people who have made attempts to find a "cure" for poverty (relief groups and so on) what is the successful and right apporach to achieve the depletion of poverty? I truly believe that spreading the word through schools/media and making people more knowledgable of the extent of poverty, then hopefully people would become more aware and begin to take serious action as a community to solve for better. Solving poverty is not a one man act, but the efforts of a community.