SOCIAL ISSUES
- April 21, 2009 - President Obama calling on Americans to volunteer signed a $5.7 billion national service bill that tripled the size of the AmeriCorps service program over the next eight years and expands ways for students to earn money for college. “We need your service, right now, in this moment in history. He stated "I’m asking you to stand up and play your part,” “I’m asking you to help change history’s course.” Congress passed the bill last month with largely bipartisan support before Obama signed off on it. Obama is seeking $1.1 billion to fund it next year. Some Republicans complain it is too costly and is an unnecessary intrusion by government into something Americans already do eagerly and in great numbers - helping their neighbors and communities. The legislation provides for gradually increasing the size of the AmeriCorps to 250,000 enrollees from its current 75,000. It outlines five broad categories where people can direct their service: helping the poor, improving education, encouraging energy efficiency, strengthening access to health care and assisting veterans. AmeriCorps offers a range of volunteer opportunities including housing construction, youth outreach, disaster response and caring for the elderly. Most receive an annual stipend of slightly less than $12,000 for working 10 months to a year.
B + : This is one government program where many Americans will not mind their tax money going to. It is a good incentive for people to get involved and help their communities while earning monetary benefits. Yes it is true that Americans already participate in community and neighborly events in great numbers but there is no harm in attempting to get more Americans involved, especially in this tough economy.
- Feb 8, 2009 - President Obama has decided to share oversight of next year's Census. The Census Bureau director, who reports to the commerce secretary, will now also keep the White House directly in the loop. The Census Bureau conducts a full population count every 10 years in years ending with a zero. Between censuses, the Census Bureau makes population estimates and projections. These projections effects the electoral college which decides the U.S. Presidential Elections. It also helps determine how congressional lines are drawn which could determine billions of dollars in federal funding for things like state schools, roads and job training
D: The United States census should remain independent of politics. It is supposed to be a nonpartisan process. This decision by Obama now will lead to questions regarding the data that sustain almost the entire statistical system of the United States. Why change something that has been working in place since 1790? The Census Bureau is one of the most trusted (and effective) US Federal organizations. Now that it is being monitored by the Obama administration will it remain one of the most trusted?
B + : This is one government program where many Americans will not mind their tax money going to. It is a good incentive for people to get involved and help their communities while earning monetary benefits. Yes it is true that Americans already participate in community and neighborly events in great numbers but there is no harm in attempting to get more Americans involved, especially in this tough economy.
- Feb 8, 2009 - President Obama has decided to share oversight of next year's Census. The Census Bureau director, who reports to the commerce secretary, will now also keep the White House directly in the loop. The Census Bureau conducts a full population count every 10 years in years ending with a zero. Between censuses, the Census Bureau makes population estimates and projections. These projections effects the electoral college which decides the U.S. Presidential Elections. It also helps determine how congressional lines are drawn which could determine billions of dollars in federal funding for things like state schools, roads and job training
D: The United States census should remain independent of politics. It is supposed to be a nonpartisan process. This decision by Obama now will lead to questions regarding the data that sustain almost the entire statistical system of the United States. Why change something that has been working in place since 1790? The Census Bureau is one of the most trusted (and effective) US Federal organizations. Now that it is being monitored by the Obama administration will it remain one of the most trusted?
JOIN THE NEXT BIG ONLINE NETWORKING CRAZE: 