The upcoming midterm elections this coming November is projected to be a seesaw battle between the Democrats and Republicans. With control of the senate at stake, both political parties are doing whatever they in order to win most of the vacated seats. It is remembered that the Republicans strong declared their intentions to regain control of the senate and other key legislations. But recent Tea Party victories have deeply impacted the GOP campaign even up to the point where they predict massive losses. Despite of this, the republican spirit moves on and will look forward to victory come election time.
Looking back at the previous presidential elections where Mr. Obama convincingly won, his campaign was fueled by the massive support which he got from independent voters. But today’s situation is much different considering the struggles most American citizens are facing. With an unemployment rate nearing 10%, more Americans are now desperate to find ways to solve this crisis. The failure of the Obama-led stimulus package to generate adequate jobs resulted in more discontent and disappointments.
A recent survey in August which was conducted by Douglas E. Schoen LLC on behalf of Independent Women’s Voice showed that more independents are now transferring their support to the Republican Party. 50% of respondents showed support for the Republicans compared to only 25% for the Democrats. Also, 52% of independents think that that their views are much more aligned with the Republican Party compared to the Democratic Party. The result of the survey comes as a surprise considering that independents generally have negative views towards the GOP.
A follow-up interview which was conducted after the victory last week of Tea Party-backed candidate Christine O’Donnell showed how the Democratic influence is rapidly decreasing. The Republican lead in the upcoming congressional election has reached 22 points, 40% to 18%, with all likely-to-vote independents. Independents have also showed strong support for the extension of Bush-era tax cuts among all Americans. It is good to note that Pres. Obama and several democrats have proposed the continuation of the tax cuts only to people who earn less than $150,000 a year.
Independents have also indicated that they want candidates to cut spending and taxes, have a balanced budget, reduce budget deficits and the federal debt, reduce the power of special interests and unions, repeal and replace the health-care legislation, and decrease partisanship. Though Independents believe that both the Republicans and Democrats are big spenders, they see Democrats as the worse. Despite of the clear advantage by the GOP, they should still be able to persuade the Independents on their true intentions. Failure to do so would result in Independents being disgusted and might refrain from voting at all.
There is still a possibility that Independents may bring back their support to Pres. Obama and his democratic party especially if Republicans are unable to present a clear platform for development. Present trends still suggest Independents favoring the GOP over the Democrats. The support that Independents may give to Republicans may still depend though on what agenda the party can clearly present to them.
Showing posts with label President Obama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label President Obama. Show all posts
Monday, September 20, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Will the Date of Withdrawal of U.S. Troops in Afghanistan Boost the Morale of Insurgency Groups?
With over 3,000 lives lost during the September 11 terror attacks on the World Trade Center, the U.S. and its allies wasted no time in trying to eradicate a growing problem. Terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda were directly blamed for the incident and are now highly considered a threat to the peace and security of every country. And thus, Operation Enduring Freedom was launched on October 7, 2001 to hunt down and destroy terrorist groups and their training grounds. Along with other NATO countries, the U.S. armed forces have been facing strong resistance from Al Qaeda and from the Taliban Insurgency.
With every American solder getting killed in Afghanistan, the lower the confidence and trust of the American people in pursuing the war. For years, the armed forces have not only faced armed resistance but also harsh criticisms from several politicians, lawmakers and citizens themselves. It is evident that more and more people have lost their patience with the armed forces indicating that the war itself isn’t winnable at all.
After over 9 years in combat and with almost 8,000 allied casualty, the U.S. has finally decided to end the war by bring back home their troops. U.S. President Barack Obama’s announced that the U.S. will begin withdrawing troops from Afghanistan in July 2011. With suicide attacks increasing every day, the troop withdrawal is good news to all the families of U.S. troops stationed in Afghanistan. Some said that it will help prevent any further bloodshed and save more American lives.
But retiring marine General James Conway said that the announcement by Pres. Obama is just going to boost the morale of insurgency groups. It is good to note that the Taliban Insurgency has been mainly responsible for the recent attacks on allied bases which are constantly claiming the lives of many allied soldiers. Conway believes that the insurgency can now wait till the last U.S. soldier leaves Afghanistan in order to reclaim the land back.
While the argument of Conway may be partly true, it is still reasonable to withdraw those troops as the war has been going on for over 9 years without any significant results. More and more U.S. servicemen are losing their lives in foreign soil on a war that is perceived as unwinnable. Many people believed that the moment the U.S. armed forces step foot in Afghanistan was already a big mistake. With the insurgency not going any weaker, it is best to withdraw those troops to save lives and be reasonable enough. Also, with the economic recession depleting the federal budget very rapidly, ending combat operations in Afghanistan will save a lot of federal money which can be used to create jobs instead.
With every American solder getting killed in Afghanistan, the lower the confidence and trust of the American people in pursuing the war. For years, the armed forces have not only faced armed resistance but also harsh criticisms from several politicians, lawmakers and citizens themselves. It is evident that more and more people have lost their patience with the armed forces indicating that the war itself isn’t winnable at all.
After over 9 years in combat and with almost 8,000 allied casualty, the U.S. has finally decided to end the war by bring back home their troops. U.S. President Barack Obama’s announced that the U.S. will begin withdrawing troops from Afghanistan in July 2011. With suicide attacks increasing every day, the troop withdrawal is good news to all the families of U.S. troops stationed in Afghanistan. Some said that it will help prevent any further bloodshed and save more American lives.
But retiring marine General James Conway said that the announcement by Pres. Obama is just going to boost the morale of insurgency groups. It is good to note that the Taliban Insurgency has been mainly responsible for the recent attacks on allied bases which are constantly claiming the lives of many allied soldiers. Conway believes that the insurgency can now wait till the last U.S. soldier leaves Afghanistan in order to reclaim the land back.
While the argument of Conway may be partly true, it is still reasonable to withdraw those troops as the war has been going on for over 9 years without any significant results. More and more U.S. servicemen are losing their lives in foreign soil on a war that is perceived as unwinnable. Many people believed that the moment the U.S. armed forces step foot in Afghanistan was already a big mistake. With the insurgency not going any weaker, it is best to withdraw those troops to save lives and be reasonable enough. Also, with the economic recession depleting the federal budget very rapidly, ending combat operations in Afghanistan will save a lot of federal money which can be used to create jobs instead.
More Americans Now Believe that Obama is Indeed a Muslim
Before his presidency, Barack Obama was a democratic Senator of the state of Illinois. Having graduated at Harvard University law school with Juris Doctor (J.D.) magna cum laude honors, he was then perceived as an intelligent and skillful man. On February 10, 2007, Obama announced his bid for presidency. During his campaign, his platforms with regards to ending the war in Iraq, improving and increasing energy efficiency and creating a universal health care program caught the attention of a lot of people. Obama would then win the presidential race being the first African-American to take the highest position in office in America.
During the early days of his presidency, there was renewed hope felt by millions of citizens especially that the nation has been plagued by a lot of social, political and economical problems left by the previous administration. Because of him being considerably black, there were also high hopes in the restoration of freedom and justice regardless of race. But after almost 2 years in office, it seems that the voting population has been steadily losing trust and patience with Obama.
His inability to resolve the rising death tolls in both wars (Afghanistan and Iraq) have drawn many criticisms from several politicians, lawmakers and citizens. Also, the controversial health care reform bill has also received negative reviews stating that it is unreasonable and will only negate the freedom enjoyed by millions of Americans. Another big issue is his capability to find a solution to the present economic crisis that has left 12% of the population without a job. The increasing budget deficit is also a huge concern limiting government funding on basic social services and also erasing thousands of federal jobs.
But perhaps the most controversial issue that the President has faced is with regards to his comments on the proposed Mosque to be constructed two blocks away from Ground Zero. Because of that incident, more people have developed doubts about the real religion of Obama. A recent poll indicated that 1 in every 5 Americans believed that Obama is a Muslim. Even before his comments on the proposed Mosque, there is already a continued rise on the belief that he is indeed a Muslim.
Various democrats label this as a politically-charged action ahead of the Congressional elections. They also argued that some of the disagreements that pertain to Obama’s religion were linked to discontent of his performance. Whatever the real score is, the degree of distrust to the president is really increasing. I can fully say that this has also something to do with the lack of transparency that the present administration has. If indeed Pres. Obama is really a Christian, then the government should have nothing to hide and show the actual proof to the people. With lack of confidence and trust, the nation will never achieve national unity.
During the early days of his presidency, there was renewed hope felt by millions of citizens especially that the nation has been plagued by a lot of social, political and economical problems left by the previous administration. Because of him being considerably black, there were also high hopes in the restoration of freedom and justice regardless of race. But after almost 2 years in office, it seems that the voting population has been steadily losing trust and patience with Obama.
His inability to resolve the rising death tolls in both wars (Afghanistan and Iraq) have drawn many criticisms from several politicians, lawmakers and citizens. Also, the controversial health care reform bill has also received negative reviews stating that it is unreasonable and will only negate the freedom enjoyed by millions of Americans. Another big issue is his capability to find a solution to the present economic crisis that has left 12% of the population without a job. The increasing budget deficit is also a huge concern limiting government funding on basic social services and also erasing thousands of federal jobs.
But perhaps the most controversial issue that the President has faced is with regards to his comments on the proposed Mosque to be constructed two blocks away from Ground Zero. Because of that incident, more people have developed doubts about the real religion of Obama. A recent poll indicated that 1 in every 5 Americans believed that Obama is a Muslim. Even before his comments on the proposed Mosque, there is already a continued rise on the belief that he is indeed a Muslim.
Various democrats label this as a politically-charged action ahead of the Congressional elections. They also argued that some of the disagreements that pertain to Obama’s religion were linked to discontent of his performance. Whatever the real score is, the degree of distrust to the president is really increasing. I can fully say that this has also something to do with the lack of transparency that the present administration has. If indeed Pres. Obama is really a Christian, then the government should have nothing to hide and show the actual proof to the people. With lack of confidence and trust, the nation will never achieve national unity.
Monday, August 2, 2010
President Obama and the Middle East Conflict
When we talk about conflicts in the Middle-East, there is one particular conflict which is very soundly up to the present. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a long time and still ongoing dispute between Israelis and Palestinians. Israel is considered in a geographic disadvantage as it is basically surrounded by nations of which it highly considers a threat to its nation. The US and Israel have become major allies and the former has promised absolute protection and security to Israel.
Since becoming the president of the United States of America, Barack Obama has introduced newer policies and has taken a different approach in dealing with the Middle East peace process. Unlike his predecessor, Pres. Obama doesn’t always agree with the decisions and the actions that the Israel government has made. He even recognizes the benefits that could be gained in putting up a Palestinian state though he is somewhat hesitant that it may also end up to be another threat to Israel.
The president believes that a particular gain from one party may not necessarily translate into the loss of another. All will be well if only genuine peace is attained. He also believes that favoring a particular side will only result in more in conflict and misunderstandings. It might be best to challenge each side of their ideologies and belief and make them realize on their shortcomings. The US government has since implemented a tougher stance with regards to this sensitive issue.
The American strategy is infinite military support and protection for Israel though it also addresses various major issues that Israel should be resolving. He firmly believes that outreach and dialogue are both crucial tools in attaining balance and resolve. It should also overcome ideological rigidity and racial differences. It is good to note that Hamas hated Israel not because of religion but because they believed that the latter has stolen their land. Though the idea of coexistence between Israel and Hamas is very much dull as Israel will never give up its land, the peace process should still be the top priority as there is no way and no realistic scenario in eliminating the Hamas.
Understanding the Islamic bases of Hamas's policies is very much essential for the success of any process in which it is engaged. I strongly believe that the Obama administration will play a major role in attaining the long dreamed peace in the Middle East. By removing the biases and setting aside the racial and cultural differences, we might be a step further in attaining a peaceful middle east.
Since becoming the president of the United States of America, Barack Obama has introduced newer policies and has taken a different approach in dealing with the Middle East peace process. Unlike his predecessor, Pres. Obama doesn’t always agree with the decisions and the actions that the Israel government has made. He even recognizes the benefits that could be gained in putting up a Palestinian state though he is somewhat hesitant that it may also end up to be another threat to Israel.
The president believes that a particular gain from one party may not necessarily translate into the loss of another. All will be well if only genuine peace is attained. He also believes that favoring a particular side will only result in more in conflict and misunderstandings. It might be best to challenge each side of their ideologies and belief and make them realize on their shortcomings. The US government has since implemented a tougher stance with regards to this sensitive issue.
The American strategy is infinite military support and protection for Israel though it also addresses various major issues that Israel should be resolving. He firmly believes that outreach and dialogue are both crucial tools in attaining balance and resolve. It should also overcome ideological rigidity and racial differences. It is good to note that Hamas hated Israel not because of religion but because they believed that the latter has stolen their land. Though the idea of coexistence between Israel and Hamas is very much dull as Israel will never give up its land, the peace process should still be the top priority as there is no way and no realistic scenario in eliminating the Hamas.
Understanding the Islamic bases of Hamas's policies is very much essential for the success of any process in which it is engaged. I strongly believe that the Obama administration will play a major role in attaining the long dreamed peace in the Middle East. By removing the biases and setting aside the racial and cultural differences, we might be a step further in attaining a peaceful middle east.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
President Obama and the Racial Mess
It has been a long time since the US had a black president. In fact, the first ever president of the United States is also considered the first black president of the nation. During the early days where Pres. Obama received the throne of the presidency, many where quite delighted by the fact that racism will finally be erased in the culture of America. Racism or racial discrimination has long been a major source of violence and conflict. With the appointment of a black president, all are hoping to put an end to this miserable discipline.
But as we know it, almost two years after being elected as president, racism has again gained its ground and is terrorizing again the minds of people. It has created barriers which hinder communication between groups of people. It is considered a major obstacle for peace and unity. Today, black voters are sticking their support to Pres. Obama while disappointed white voters are withdrawing support for the president.
Perhaps what influences the decisions of these people are the things Pres. Obama has done for the country. The economic crisis, the never-ending war in Iraq, the increasing budget deficit and the controversial health care reform bill are just some of the recent events that have divided the opinions of the people. Race has again become a powerful influential factor in justifying these social issues of the nation. The racial mess is in fact escalating into a bigger and worst one.
It is good to take notice that the image portrayed by Pres. Obama as a social healer was only a creation or spoof by the media. In fact, there were several instances during the campaign where racial discrimination was practiced. Pres. Obama was never a social healer and will never be. He himself indulged in racial stereotyping when he when he indicated that the white lower-middle class of Pennsylvania are clueless zealots clinging to their guns, religion, and xenophobia.
Isn’t it very ironic that we are now living in a post-racial time and yet racial tensions are still very evident? The bleeding will only continue if no one is responsible enough to fix this mess. The more the president appeals to his base in racial terms, the more his appointees and supporters tag themselves as members of a particular race, and the more political conflicts are framed by racial divisions and differences. Without proper cleansing of the system, the stain will always remain hunting down the innocent and the unknowing.
But as we know it, almost two years after being elected as president, racism has again gained its ground and is terrorizing again the minds of people. It has created barriers which hinder communication between groups of people. It is considered a major obstacle for peace and unity. Today, black voters are sticking their support to Pres. Obama while disappointed white voters are withdrawing support for the president.
Perhaps what influences the decisions of these people are the things Pres. Obama has done for the country. The economic crisis, the never-ending war in Iraq, the increasing budget deficit and the controversial health care reform bill are just some of the recent events that have divided the opinions of the people. Race has again become a powerful influential factor in justifying these social issues of the nation. The racial mess is in fact escalating into a bigger and worst one.
It is good to take notice that the image portrayed by Pres. Obama as a social healer was only a creation or spoof by the media. In fact, there were several instances during the campaign where racial discrimination was practiced. Pres. Obama was never a social healer and will never be. He himself indulged in racial stereotyping when he when he indicated that the white lower-middle class of Pennsylvania are clueless zealots clinging to their guns, religion, and xenophobia.
Isn’t it very ironic that we are now living in a post-racial time and yet racial tensions are still very evident? The bleeding will only continue if no one is responsible enough to fix this mess. The more the president appeals to his base in racial terms, the more his appointees and supporters tag themselves as members of a particular race, and the more political conflicts are framed by racial divisions and differences. Without proper cleansing of the system, the stain will always remain hunting down the innocent and the unknowing.
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