Atlas Shrugged Movie Review

‘Atlas Shrugged’ Movie Evokes More Than a Shrug

“Atlas Shrugged,” the new movie based on the 1957 novel written by Ayn Rand, is a political thriller fit for the whole family. Directed by Paul Johansson, “Atlas Shrugged” brings to the big screen a chilling imagining of a dystopian future for America—a scenario not so far removed from reality in the minds of many Americans. The film portrays an overreaching government—again, not a stretch in an era of government bailouts and takeovers of various industries—corrupt politicians and equally-corrupt businesses; in other words, crony capitalism. 

Dagny Taggart, portrayed by Taylor Schilling, is the film’s protagonist— an executive of a giant railroad company founded by her grandfather. The film chronicles her attempt to save the family business from difficult economic times characterized by a crooked political machine in the form of collectivism and statism. During her struggle, Dagny Taggart crosses paths with Hank Rearden (Grant Bowler), a self-made steel magnate, and they unite to fight against the government’s attempt to enforce control over successful businesses.

“Atlas Shrugged” manages to pull you in from the moment you sit down. The question of “Who is John Galt?” permeates the film. Readers of Rand’s most well-known novel will recognize the question and what it means, but those who haven’t read the hefty best-seller will either have to read the tome or see the movie.

Like many films based on books, “Atlas Shrugged” has received mixed reviews.  Even those who have not read Rand’s magnum opus, however, will find the film easy to follow. Despite a less than large budget—at least by Hollywood standards—the film is visually appealing and the largely unknown actors acquit themselves quite well. 

For those burned out by the stream of leftist drivel that routinely flows out of Hollywood, this film is a breath of fresh air with its spirited defense of freedom and capitalism. “Atlas Shrugged” is a fine film for political junkies and mystery-lovers alike. 

This is the first part of a planned three-part movie, with the second and third movies scheduled for release in spring 2012 and spring 2013, respectively.

Changing the Game

"OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The Legislature approved on Tuesday a bill to suspend Washington's 2012 presidential primary, a move that will save more than $10 million as lawmakers struggle to close the $5.1 billion budget deficit for the next two years. Instead of a primary, Washington will revert back to a caucus system, which involves neighborhood meetings where people sign in to choose a certain candidate. Caucuses historically have a much lower voter turnout than the primary system." Seattle PI

So how will this effect college students?

Well depending on when  and where the caucuses are, Students might not even be able to attend. In other words you will only be able to vote on the general election. For most people this will not be too big of an issue. But in times like this when so much rides on the future leaders of out nation. I would hope the youth could get more involved in working to reform there nation. With changes like this however I for see once again the college age students getting the short end of the stick.

Obama and Facebook

 

"Obama’s decision to trek to the hub of the social networking movement comes on the heels of a heavy youth presence in Obama’s web video announcing his plan to seek a second term that was released a few weeks ago...What’s clear is that the Obama political team views young voters a s a fundamental building block to him winning a second term in 2012. The harder question to answer is whether they can they re-create the political magic Obama demonstrated with young people in 2008" Washington Post


With the election season getting closer the politicians are starting to make their move. For obama his main area of focus of late has been the youth. With his announcement for reelection coming via face book it's not surprising he is trying to harness the unknown power that is the youth vote.  Obama's trip to the internet capital of the world, further drives home his dedication to reconnecting with the youth for his upcoming election.

With students having to shell out as much has 16% more on education next year one has to wonder if Obama will be able to be the Star Studded Candidate he was in 2008.  With only half the number of students voting in 2010 many wonder what the turnout will be like in 2012. Will the students be deterred from the political process once again? Or will Obama's calls for reform and change this time around be meet with cheer and applause once more? One thing is for certain the youth will have a chance to really make a stand and direct the discussion and debates of this election. But on what topic and what direction will they choose?

Union Rallies and Angry People

"The State Patrol says four organized rallies against budget cuts at the state Capitol last week cost the agency about $50,000 in overtime for extra security staffing, and there is evidence police thought protests were escalating and close to getting out of hand. Last Thursday, state troopers arrested 17 people outside the governor’s office, mostly home care workers cited for disorderly conduct, and one man for an alleged felony assault on two officers. A larger rally drew 7,000 on Friday but had no incidents – although eight troopers lined up in front of the governor’s office lobby’s locked doors at one point in the afternoon." The Olympian 

Last week i had the time to go to the Union rally in Olympia . It was quite the experience to say the least. With the state discovering that they are even further in debt the cuts are beginning to be even more drastic. With cuts in education, public health, and services, it is logical to look into government jobs as well. Union groups "combating" what many of the labor movement call "union busting"  have been creating rallies like this all over the nation.

For some reason community organizers and union bosses think that the more angry people show up at the capital the better. But in actuality it has the opposite effect. The Olympian article above showed the real impact of the rally. One has to wonder do these demonstrations really have an impact on the legislature?  The honest answer is no. Very few legislators' minds are changed my mass hysteria. But then again maybe its good for people to let off some political steam.

For you viewing pleasure picture from the rally are below. 

Robbing the Youth

"A quarter of teenagers were jobless in March, representing a surprising increase from February, even as the unemployment rate for the rest of the population decreased.....The unemployment rate for 16- to 19-year olds jumped back up to 24.5 percent in March, up from 23.9 percent the prior month, according to the latest jobs data from the Labor Department." CNBC's

Sadly during this time of economic recover, one group seems always left out..... the youth. The reality of life is that college degrees are counting for less and less. We are the most "education generation" in history and are still the most unemployed. Even minimum wages jobs are hard to come by. Students who worked through high school to save for college or just to pay for the gas in your car are not even finding the basic jobs they had when they were 16. With all the talk of economic growth and reform, its seems that the next generation is always left out. Don't cut medicare don't revise social security don't even think of cutting wasteful spending just undercut the next generation so that the current one is happy.....  As these recent statics show the future is looking bleak for the people of my generation.

With college tuition on the rise and the unemployment rate increasing for the leaders of tomorrow we are starting to create a very explosive situation among the youth. When your college degree can't even get you a job at Starbucks it makes you wonder what will become of our future? For most of the recent graduates the biggest hurtle is the lack of experience. Most post college level jobs want 3-4 year plus of experience in a field.  Robbing our generation of basic jobs and work opportunities just increase the gravity if the issue. So if we can't get experience and a fourth of us cant get a job what will become of the "entitlement generation".


One would hope that this will act as a catalyst for real change in America.  As one of my favorite political writers said. "The pages of history are not written by the old, but by the youth, for they are the ones fighting in the trenches and protesting in the streets. The youth fight for the future while the old just fight to preserve the present" Eric Hoffer

Reality of High Ed : You can't afford it

"Student loan debt topped credit card debt for the first time last year, and it's no wonder. College costs have skyrocketed over the last decade - rising an average of 6 percent each and every year. Today's college student can expect to still be paying down loans when THEIR kids go to college."  Fox Business

The shocking reality of high education is that we can literally not pay our way throughout college. Unless our parents saved for your education you will have to get loans to pay for high education. If you worked 40hours  every week at a minimum wage job (est $9 a hour) you would only make ruffly $14,000. The cost to go to most state schools is around 17,000-20,000 a year (tuition housing and food). With the reality of high education its no shocker that students loans are plaguing our generation.

With every graduating class there are less jobs and more unemployed college graduates. Sadly its quite common to see students that graduate with four years degrees working at Safeway or Starbucks, while they wait for there "dream job". With the economy in a slump and our government in denial of the size and scope of our debit, the future doesn't look to good for those seeking higher education. Will college still act as a gate keeper for "success" in life? Or will our culture start reshaping the views of the post high school life? One thing is for certain the future of high education will directly impact the future of our nation. The bigger the debt grows so will the cost of higher education.

"At the end of the day, students have to weigh their wishes and wants - all of them - against the cost of education. Because if you pay too much - you'll end up shortchanging your future in other ways, such as delaying marriage, buying a house and having kids." Fox Business

Crisis Averted

I love it in American politics when someone actually does their job there is a celebrate proceeding it. The discussion of late was whether our federal government would be able to figure out a budget for our nation. After days of fear mongering, name calling  and miss information, our legislators got together and did their job. As many of the national paper reported, there was great jubilation and celebrate with the completion of a budget.  But one has to ask, Why are we calibrating the complete of a basic requirement of their job?  Has our government gotten to the point that failure and party politics are a norm and doing you job is now seen as going above and beyond?  That greatly concerns be. I already experienced celebrated mediocrity by going to public school, so its not to surprising they doing it in public service jobs. I just hope they save the champagne for once we balance the national budget.

The End is Nigh.....or Just a day off

The issue on the minds of most legislatures is our massive debt on the state and federal level. Currently the federal government in teetering on the edge, and is looking as though it will have a government "shut down" very soon. What will the government shoot down look like is the topic of interest for many government employees. As the Washington Post and other news organization have reported the government shut down is not as apocalyptic as some of the Representatives try to paint it as. The Washington Post created a short video discussing the impact and events that let up to the potential shut down. (Link: Washington Post Video)

General speaking the only impact of the shut down will be the temporary shutdown of the "non-essential" aspects of government. So fire, police, military, and other such service will go unfazed from the "government shut down". You might not be able to go to the DOL or get audited by the IRS but over all life will go on as normal.  The question in my mind is once this political stunt is over. Which side will come out "on top". Hopefully something constructive will come out of this. But in all reality a government shut down will just be another tool for the campaign session.

The Power of our Generation

“IT BEGINS”, concludes the video launching Barack Obama’s re-election campaign, “with us.” That is, it begins with ordinary, hard-working, upstanding citizens getting together to speak out for what they believe in. And what is that, exactly? A woman in Arizona (Gladys, a caption helpfully informs us) talks vaguely about finding a job, owning a house and putting kids through college. Aside from these unobjectionable goals, however, there is no hint as to what Mr Obama stands for or how he intends to achieve it." (The Economist)

As many of you have already seen Obama has begun officially running for re-election. The interesting part is that his primary focus is on the young voter. With the over whelming majority of college students and young adults having voted for Obama last election it seems like a logical place for his campaign to start. This year however with the unpopularity of some of his actions as president, the margins will not be as high as last election. More people of my generation were left with a feeling of confusion in regards to his presidency. What has he changed for the better?

In a move to recapture his strongest demographic Obama will be hosting a Facebook town hall conference. Where people can post on the Facebook page questions for the president. But one has to wonder why is he putting so much time into the youth so early?

Some political researchers and analysts feel that if Obama doesn't win the youth he might not be able to win reelection. How is that for a interesting thought. Could the very fate of our nation fall on to the shoulder of our generation? With the amount of money and time spent trying to capture the youth vote it might just be true.

With that fact made clear, will our generation help shape our nation come 2012 or will they let the direction of our nation be decided without us?

UW Students visualize the debt.

Last week the Young Americans for liberty chapter at the University of Washington engaged their fellow students on the important of debt reduction. The Student were generally meet with curiosity more then hostility, which is unusual for a libertarian club on any campus. Most onlookers stooped for a brief moment to look and the display. Others took photos and walked up to there booth to learn more about our national debit.

During the event a local school group of 4th grader visiting the campus stopped to learn more about our national debit. The president of the student group explained the danger of over spending and what their future might look like if we don't fix the national debt. A few of the 4th grades tried to pronounce the debit. After multiple failed attempts, the student frustrated proclaimed, "This number is way to high!".

The Visualize the debt event was part of a nation day of protest to try and engage people on the issues surrounding our national debt. The student group was interviewed my MSNBC and the local papers as well.

Its good to see this tough issue discussed so plainly with the community. One would hope that this discussion would not just stop on campuses but would start to be a major focuses for most of the conversation focusing on our future. If a 4th grader could get the message i hope the maybe our legislature would also come to the realization that "this number is way to high!"

Going Green and Going Broke

"Electric vehicle owners might have to start paying a $100 registration fee every year under a bill that passed the state Senate on Tuesday...Senate Bill 5251 moved forward in a 36-11 vote, with supporters saying it would ensure that all drivers pay something to maintain state roads but opponents arguing a flat fee for all battery-powered cars was a simplistic approach" The Olympian 

The Washington State Legislature is trying to find more revenue to make for their shortfall this session. One area of interest is electric cars and how they "miss out" on some of the gas tax. So if you have an electric or hybrid you might be dinged for not buying enough gas. I love how our government works....

In regards to electric cars and other" Go Green" vehicles. The federal government also gives tax break to those that buy them. So some people suggest that maybe instead of making up a Hybrid/electric tax just eliminate there tax ride off. That might be a better option in my opinion. I don't think the government should give tax incentives for private business but that's just me. What ever the out come, the go green crowd will be paying a little more of there own greens.

The Changing of the Guard

There comes in the course of history a time were a small minority could forever change the very fate of our nation. Often people claim that those times are great areas of conflict or times of civil unrest, where the dedication of a few revolutionaries, can surpass the collective apathy of the masses. Very rarely are elections contributed with being true turning points in America history. As I have heard even political professors say, that in the end of the day elections don't really matter, movements matter.

So what, if you become a new yes or no vote in the electorate, unless your part of the majority or the deciding factor in a vote what real impact can you have, except making the lives of the other legislature more difficult? What can really changes the fate and direction of our nation is the social and cultural shifts. Often those shifts can be assisted by those we elect to higher office or the leader we prop up, but the momentum and the heart of any movement resides within the emotions of the people.

From my work in the political community for the past year, I have ridden shotgun to many of the political revolutions and issues of our time. I have seen the impact the media and our pop culture has on the direction of the people of my generation.  More importantly I have seen the end result of all the madness and "reforms" that so many groups have been fighting for. The only results from their labor are a disenfranchised youth whose very future is being taxed by the growth of our nation.

This fact is being driven home by the rise in the cost of education and the continued reduction in entry level jobs for those soon to be out of school and/or out of work. For those raised on the promise of a good life after college are met with the cold reality of the stagnate waters that seem to be the future of our generation. With students being drunkenly awaken by Obama's last election found themselves quickly sobered by the increase attacks the their futures. What will become of the entitled youth when their comforts and future hopes are wagered against the preservation of a system they believe to have no stake in?

For those of you involved in the political realm, put your ears to the ground and listen to the rumble that's a coming. There is nothing more volatile then a large number of highly trained unemployed young people. As we have seen in the Middle East, the revolutions do not come from the old and the experienced, but from the youth whose dreams seem plausible with their perceived coming victory over the very culture that raised them. The larger the deficit grows, the more the entitlement generation will lose the dream that they where promise. To that end a great cultural revolution will come to America. A great cultural revolution that will forever change America and redefine the dream my generation fights for.
 
To what end do we strive? To whom do we find fellowship? To What send will the leader of tomorrow fight for today? One thing is for sure the changing of the guard is coming and the ranks will be filled with those that wish to fight to reclaim that which many of us feel was taken from us. The American Dream.

In Search of Innovation: SB 5442

AN ACT Relating to an accelerated baccalaureate degree program....(SB5442) 

This legislative session a lot of tough choices have had to been made. Ever now and then a the legislature comes up with a logical and cost effective change versus the number of increase growth and cost of government. In the first part of march i worked with a could school in Olympia to lobby and learn more about what is going on with higher education reform. One of the things I stressed is a push for innovation not just reduction or growth of a program.  SB5442 would allow the university to create a fast track three year degree, such as a honors program or adjust what many student dread, the general education requirements.  The idea of this bill is to allow students the choice to take a hard course load so they could graduate sooner. So those that have a specific goal or dream and get the education they need and get out into the world sooner.

This program would save students time and money and the state money, as the state subsidies a large amount of tuition for state schools. I hope to see more bills such as this come out of Olympia. As the saying going; 

"If we want something we have never had, we have to do something we have never done"

I think finally our legislators are getting the idea. If you love or hate the bill let your legislature know so maybe we can have more innovation in our state and local governments.

Privatizing the liquor board......again?

With our states economy a little worse for wear, the state legislatures are turning to some older ideas to save the state money and increase revenue.

"A new initiative to privatize state liquor sales has been filed with the Secretary of State's office. In November, Washington voters rejected two ballot initiatives to privatize liquor sales. But conservative blogger Stefan Sharkansky says his new proposal would maintain tax revenue and impose tighter control on private liquor sales. He helped craft last year's Initiative 1100. Sharkansky's initiative would only allow stores with a five-year record of no public safety violations to sell liquor, seeking to allay last year's fears of minors gaining easier access to alcohol. 

Private retailers would collect liquor sales tax at the current level, so the state would still receive revenue to continue public service programs. Sharkansky says privatization would allow the state Liquor Control Board to focus on controlling liquor, rather than promoting it."(Seattle Times)

During the election season both initiatives that were on the ballet regarding this issue failed. But when the state is looking for any way to save a few bucks, legislation like this doesn't sound to far off any more. If you reduce regulation you thus increase sale and taxation of said goods..... Sounds good to me! With the controversy of the Four Loko debacle forgotten my most voters, it will be interesting to see how our state feels about the bill now. Though trial comes creativity and ingenuity. I hope to see more bills of this nature coming out of Olympia in the future. I think it is time for our state to look at innovative ways to change the structure of our government instead of looking for more people or goods they can squeeze for taxes.  

Shocking Reality: We are $698 million more in debt

"The state's chief economist, Arun Raha, on Thursday projected the state will collect nearly $700 million less in taxes over the next two years than previously forecast. That pushes the budget shortfall to around $5.1 billion or more, depending on how you count it, through fiscal year 2013. State fiscal years run from July 1 through the end of June." ( Seattle Times)

So if you haven't heard, we are even further in debt than before. So the cuts to higher education we were worried about will only get bigger with a 11% increase being the minimum that it might go up. Teacher unions and state workers unions that protested against reducing their state  benefits, might have to reevaluate their strategy. With our state not being able to raise taxes with out a 2/3 majority, the only thing we have left to do is cut.

Get ready for some intense rallying and protesting at our capital because people and services are going to be getting cut. And with every dollar goes another voter. So with all eyes once again on our legislators what projects will they cut? Will they reduce the size and the power of regulator organizations? Will the state expand the gambling taxes and allow more off reservation gambling? Will we privatize the whole sale of liquor in our state? Will we finally allow charter schools in our state? What will out state do?

Out of every crises comes opportunities, and with our state having to cut back on costs, we will be able to in-act sweeping reform in our state the likes of which we have not seen in a long time. But the question beckons, what form will that change take?

Social Security : The Titanic of our Time

"More than eight in 10 Americans now see the country’s Social Security system as headed for a crisis, and most think a major overhaul is in order, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll."(Washington Post)

One of the lesser talked about crises is that of social security. While we talk about reducing the deficit our officials don't like to talk about the growing deficit that is social security. Sense its creation it has been raided by one administration after the next. The funds have gone to paying for a large number of pet projects, many of which now are on the chopping block. So what will be come of the National Retirement plan? If our recession and deficit grow, will we limit or cut those on social security? If it comes down to funding our parents retirement of paying for infrastructure who will win?

To understand the true magnitude of the problem I will give a little back ground to the program. In a nut shell social security was created to get older people out of the work force to provide opening for new young employees to get there start in the work world. Social security is base off a ponzi scheme. Basically the workers pay into this program to pay for those that are retired, and once they retire the younger generation pays for there retirement and so forth.

This plan works only if there are more workers then retirees. However with people living longer and the population having a high percent of retirees, the percent of people working to retiring is becoming less. What this means is that we either have to increase the amount each worker pays into the system, to off set the difference, or give less benefits to those that have social security. However neither of these plans seem favorable to most people in the system. People don't want to lose benefit or want to pay more into the system. So in the end a deficit and inflation is the only option.

This topic will be a hot button issue during the 2012 campaign season, it will be interesting to see what candidates on both sides of the political world think about reform. For whatever reform we do in act someone is going to get the short end of the stick. I wonder which generation will in the end call the shots?

The Plight of Education

Most days I read two to three newspapers to stay up to date on whats going on in the world. One of my favorite things to do is read some of the comment chains on popular articles and stories of controversial issues. Of late the more I read and research controversial issues, the more I come what is the biggest problem in American education, the inability to think critically.  

I love to talk politics with people, especially if they don't agree with me. ( You learn more about the world by looking out a window then by looking in a mirror)  Lately I have run into a large number on both sides of the political spectrum that don't think critically, they think emotionally. They are more likely to yell at you then talk with you. 

My parents are both teacher and conversations like this come up all the time. How do we teach critical thinking?  Mainstream education teaches you what to think, not how to think.  What we need is to focus more on the latter. With "Education reform" making education look more like an assembly line then a school. The question beckons...What are we teaching our kids? 

Being a higher education student myself, I have learned and refined the ability to regurgitate the equivalent of an education hairball in class, but true understanding is another situation entirely. So i would pose the question, should we be focusing on measurable criteria? Or on something more in depth when i comes to education reform? 

The Art of Stupidy

A short while again the New Hampshire Legislature tried to redefine how student vote. The sponsoring senators stated that students only voted on emotion not on fact.....and that is some how different then the rest of the voting populous?

"The measure gained national notice, thanks in part to a YouTube video of the state's new GOP House speaker declaring students "foolish" because they are "liberal" and "just vote their feelings." The sponsor of the measure went further in his denunciations of college students, declaring that they turn out in college towns on Election Day and cancel out other voters, motivated by a "dearth of experience and a plethora of the easy self-confidence that only ignorance and inexperience can produce. - Washington Post

Sometime the actions of our representatives deeply worry be not only is this a horrible political move, ( lets turn of an entire generation off to your party why don't ya....), it show how little our representative care about the voice of the youth. Instead of reaching out to learn what issues and concerns the youth of our nation has, lets just punish them for not voting  in the way i wanted.... This if nothing else should give credence to getting involve now, before our future is planned with-out us. The legislature is already mortgaging our futures against the present (deficit spending), and now some people want to silence our voice..... 

To get involved with a group that is fighting for your future today check out the Student Freedom Project. 
And learn how to get involved in your community today.

Tiger Blood and Union Riots

"I'm proud of what I've created. It was radical," he said. "I exposed people to magic. I exposed them to something they're never otherwise going to see in their boring, normal lives. And I gave that to them. I may forget about them tomorrow, but they'll live with that memory for the rest of their lives. And that's a gift, man."- Charlie Sheen

Sadly this magic doesn't seem to different from whats been going on in Wisconsin. Union busting or fighting for the tax payer? Sadly this fiasco has shown America the true depths of political maturity in America politics today. So you can win a debate by leaving the state and then complain that the Republicans are not "playing far"....really? how does that pan out, if Republicans left during the health care debate would the Democrats, simply say..."Well played sir"....Not likely. Way to much lately it seems that both parties are trying to use every trick in the book to discredit their adversary or try to label them as crazy as possible in order to prove there superiority. This tact seems about just as logical as a lot of the Charlie Sheen quotes plaguing the internet these days.

It seems like Wisconsin legislature is not bi-partisan their "Bi-Winnering", because after this fiasco both sides have them self convinced that they have discredited the other.

But in the end of the day what way real accomplished? The teacher protesters ran out of sick days, students in the public school system got an extra vacation and the senate dems got a mid session vacation.... but is the debit in their state any close to begin eradicated?.....didn't think so......   

With the serous nature of the problems out nations faces i would hope that our officials from both sides  would at least find a way to work together and fight for the preservation of our nation. Just like Charlie Sheen's Magic, the Wisconsin legislature showed the nation..... something they're never otherwise going to see in their boring, normal lives....the senators may forget about the people tomorrow but they'll live with that memory for the rest of their lives. And that's a gift, man!

A Sobering Look at the Budget

Like a lot of things in the government transparency hard to come by. On the topic of "reform" you would be surprised by the diversity of numbers regarding the debt in our state. So the questions beckons;  

What is out States Budget? 

What is our states actual deficit? 

According to the our governor our budget is;

"During the 2011-13 budget period, Washington state will spend about $75.5 billion to provide programs and services to citizens." (Governor Chris Gregoire) 

A sad truth,  (also a talking point for conservative legislatures) is that that number is actual a record profit for the state. So we are taking in more money then ever have before this cycle, but we don't have the funds to cover the short fall. But what is the short fall how much does out state actually owe?  

"The state was projected to have a deficit of $4.6 billion in 2011–13"(Governor Chris Gregoire) 

Overall the number doesn't seem to high but when we look at the overall cost of government its pretty bad. We could cut all the prisons (1.8 billion) all natural resource programs (1.6 billion) and half of the government employees and offices (2.15 billion) and we would just break even. (source:  Governor Chris Gregoire) 


Even tho our shortfall is only 18% of the over all income our state bring in, balancing the budget is going to be  hard thing to do. As we have seen in Wisconsin, balancing the budget can be a very unpopular thing to do.

A Test of Leadership: Budget Cuts

"As a general rule, politicians -- from the local level right up to the presidency -- hate uncertainty. When the public is as deeply divided (or confused) about such a major issue as the budget and the possibility of a government shutdown, politicians are left with no obvious course of action to move forward. In the face of such uncertainty, politicians typically punt -- pushing off the hardest decisions until there is more clarity in public opinion." (Washington Post)

With regard to the potential government "shut down" and the clashes with unions, at what point should our elected officials provide leadership instead of working for group consequences? We often times advocate for our legislature to listen to the will of the people, but when the governed  is divided when should they press on? This is a tough question for any leader to answer. In my view however i feel that out leaders should do what they feel is best especially when the times are as dark as this. Inaction is as dangerous as any option out there, and i would hope that our officials would listen to the people and do what they feel is best for the whole of America.

Government Shut Down and Union Contracts

"By March 4, lawmakers must pass a short-term resolution to continue funding the government, or President Obama and congressional leaders can strike a deal on how to fund government operations for the final seven months of fiscal 2011. Failing to do so would prompt at least a partial shutdown affecting various agencies and functions." (Washington Post) 

With federal government facing a possible shut down, and union protests and riots popping up in America, one has to wonder how is our electorate letting this happen? For a democratic nation there really is not much compromise and democracy going on lately. As we can see in the Federal government and in Wisconsin with the union protests, is seems more of a my way or the highway, in regards to regulation and legislation. I remember during the health care debates a year ago that we had similar party politics and controversy, but our electorate at least played the game and voted no or yes and was at least involved in the fight for Americas future.

How sad is it that sense a year ago, we have gotten to the point where compromise is worse then complete failure. Instead of working to find the middle ground, we try to starve our political adversaries. The fact that state senators could just pack up and leave to stall a vote to me is just a slap in the face of America politics. As i see it, acts like this illustrate the servility of the times we are in. I only hope that when things start getting worse more people will start waking up. And maybe just maybe, we can start working to fix the problems of our nation, instead of trying to pin our failures on the backs of our opponents. But then again I'm a realist, so batten down the hatches and hold on time, these next few years are going to be a bumpy ride. 

Union Debate

Should government employees be allow to unionize? In Wisconsin that question is on the chopping block. But ironically to the dismay of the republican majority the Democrats took the chopping block out of state. ( i wonder what would happen if they did that for healthcare reform?)

"Debate in the State Senate over Wisconsin’s controversial bill to cut collective bargaining rights for public workers ended, at least temporarily, on Thursday morning before it began. As the session was due to begin, Democrats failed to appear in the chamber, leaving the body without a quorum and leading the Republicans to send capitol officials in search of the Democrats." (New York Times)

Despite the stunt  by the Democrats in Wisconsin, the question beckons, should government employees be allow to unionize? The danger with having government employee unions is that they can lobby and effectively fight for the preservation of their jobs even if the regulation or the program that congress created no longer has a purpose. That can be very harmful especially when the government has to make drastic cuts to the budget. But with out unions the employees of the state would not have the collective bargaining abilities that they do now. So how else would they be able to voice their option or concern about regulation or issues relating to there employment? What ever your views his push from reform is a very telling sign of the hard times to come.

So once they find the Democrats what will happen to the governments unions and could this be the begin of national reform?

Stories From the Nanny State: Monopoly 2.0

My heart sank after i read this article in the New York times. Hasbro has come out with Monopoly 2.0, but this time there is a computer watching your every move and insuring there is no funny business with the banking, or modifications of rules. It even watch how many space you move. ..


"Hasbro showed a preview of the new version, called Monopoly Live, at this week’s Toy Fair in New York. It is the classic Monopoly board on the outside, with the familiar railroads like the B.& O. and the development of property. But in the center, instead of dice and Chance and Community Chest cards, an infrared tower with a speaker issues instructions, keeps track of money and makes sure players adhere to the rules. The all-knowing tower even watches over advancing the proper number of spaces." (New York Times)

So big brother is even watching over the comical board game of free market enterprise. This truly is a sad day for Monopoly players everywhere. I remember as a child having to do the math in my head as to the cost/revenue figures of property owner ship. Or creating investment plans with my friends to get the highest yielding returns on my property investment. Now with the All Knowing Computer watching over the game the experiences will never be the same. All we need know is the bailout button and the game will be a direct representation of our current economy. I just hope they don't try to change anymore of my childhood board games. Apples to Apples the PC version? Risk the UN addition? The future of board games looks bleak indeed.

Higher Education: Cutting Spending

"In the past two years alone, WSU's tuition has increased 30 percent as the university has attempted to plug the shortfall of millions of dollars in state funding, said Joan King, executive director of planning and budgeting. The amount of support WSU receives from the state has decreased by 30 percent - or $133 million - in the last 18 months."(Daily Evergreen)   

Across the state programs are getting cut drastically because of our state's deficit. Higher education is not alone in feeling the brunt of the cuts, but as the question arises should higher education be cut as much as it is? With cuts as drastic as this the student across the state are starting to wake up the the reality of the state of our government.

Students are confused and angry at the increases in tuition costs for their education. The universities and education union often bus students to Olympia from across the state to lobby for increase spending on higher education, often my means of tax increases.

But propping up education at the expense of businesses  provides our state with more college graduates but creates more post education unemployment. So the real question is what can the students of Washington state do to reduce the cuts in education, without damaging the working environment post education?   

On my blog i try to advocate for realistic solution or to at least propose ideas to drive the conversation to something more productive then just political posturing and banter. If your interested in making a real impact i have posted info on higher education bills that are in the works, that you could get involved in. Check it out, contact your legislature and get off the bench and fight for your future.

(Link to Bill information )

Controversy in Washington

House Bill 1715 could change Washington State forever. As the bill states;  "The official designation is a desirable promotional tool that Washington businesses can use when sharing their product with customers through the world."  (HB1715) What is the bill about, you ask? Only the most important cultural characteristic of Washington State.  The amazing taste of coffee.

This bill designates coffee as our state drink, but the tough question is what kind? Is Washington State a black coffee state or a mocha latte or perhaps we are an americano type of state. The kind of coffee is very telling about a person and more so a state. What image do we as a state want to portray to the rest of the country?

Without your input key issues like this will be decided. Write or call your legislature today to get in the fight and stand up for your favorite morning pick me up. We can't fix health care or higher education reform this session but we can forever decide the fate of our state drink and the flavor of our future.

Healthcare and Gun Control: Ironic approach to Reform

One of my friends sent this link to me and i couldn't help but laugh. In spirit of the health care mandate South Dakota as working on bill to provide an individual mandate for gun ownership.

"It's known as the "Act to provide for an individual mandate to adult citizens to provide for the self-defense of themselves and others." In political terms, it's a smackdown to the "Affordable Care Act." Republican Hal Wick from Sioux Falls is sponsoring the bill and concedes it is unlikely to pass, but he's using it to illustrate what many critics of the health care law believe -- that the requirement for individuals to buy health insurance is unconstitutional."(Political Daily)

I highly dough this bill will make it very far in there legislature but as comical as the idea is, it makes a good point. If the government can mandate you buy health insurance, what else could they force you to by. An good argument I heard in support of the mandate was that; "The health care mandate is akin to the law  that require you to get auto insurance."  That statement raised a good point, when you get in a car you could hurt someone else and thus you need insurance. But unlike a car with health care you don't chose to get sick, as you chose to drive. It will be interesting to see how the mandate issue pans out. If its seen as constitutional i wonder was else they will mandate.... gym memberships perhaps?  As far as the gun mandate in South Dakota, i wonder if they will provide gun subsidies for low in come families. That could end poorly.

The War on Healthcare: The Battle Continues

"The Senate’s Democratic leaders answered the Republican challenge by saying they would stage a vote on the repeal measure on Wednesday, when they were certain it would be defeated. The House, where Republicans won a majority in November’s elections, approved the repeal last month." ( New York Times )

A few days ago a Florida judge ruled that the health care bill was unconstitutional. With another judge ruling against the bill, the pressure is on for work to be done on the bill. But the Democratic senate has already stated, they will not make a vote to repeal the bill happen. With the bill following almost complete party lines the idea of even collaborating to fix the bill seems to be out of the question. But yet there is still some hope on the topic of health care reform. But it might just be more political posturing.   

“For all those who supported the health care law, it’s an opportunity to re-evaluate your vote, to listen to your constituents,” Mr. McConnell said in a floor speech on Tuesday. He added, “You can say, perhaps: ‘This was a mistake. We can do this better.’ Or you can continue to dismiss the majority of people in this country as not knowing what they’re talking about.” ( New York Times )

Regardless of your views on the bill, the future of health care reform seems to be a partisan mined field. with neither side really gaining a footing at this point. But no matter the out come the tax payer will be fronting the bill.  

The War on Healthcare

The Florida state supreme court judge ruled that Health care bill is unconstitutional.

"Judge Roger Vinson said as a result of the unconstitutionality of the "individual mandate" that requires people to buy insurance, the entire law must be thrown out." (Fox News)

"I must reluctantly conclude that Congress exceeded the bounds of its authority in passing the Act with the individual mandate. That is not to say, of course, that Congress is without power to address the problems and inequities in our health care system. The health care market is more than one sixth of the national economy, and without doubt Congress has the power to reform and regulate this market. That has not been disputed in this case. The principal dispute has been about how Congress chose to exercise that power here," Vinson wrote. (Fox News)

This decision will help drive the bill to the supreme court. Realistic projection say that it will not happen for a year or more.  Which means that this health care package or "Obamacare" as it has been coined, with be decided by the 2012 elections and those who are in office at that time.

Washington State is one of the 27 states that has signed onto the bill and has been involved in the fight to repeal the bill sense its creation. The Attorney General, Rob McKenna has gotten a lot of flack from those in our state government about his choices to sign on to the bill. If this bill is defeat in the supreme court, then it could acts as a nail in the coffin to the reelection of those officials that supported the unpopular bill.

As i say way to often change is coming to our nation and state, and pivotal bills and court ruling such as these are the key factors to that change. But the question arises, if this bill is shot down what else could republicans get on the chopping block? And how will out state legislature deal with increase attention on health care reform?