Friday, February 24, 2012

A Democracy For Those Who Can Afford it

   
      The New Times has recently published an editorial called "Donors With Agendas". In this article the author claims that, "the nations wealthiest can buy elections".  To me this is a very serious claim. The idea that policy affects us all and can be influenced by a few well to do individuals is quite alarming. The author states that through super PACs (Political Action Committee), wealthy individuals and companies are legally able to give very large donations to candidates who support their causes.    
     According to Wikipedia's page about PACs the articles fear of super PACs is justified. Because, "provided they are operated correctly, they can raise unlimited sums from individuals, corporations, unions and other groups"  The article states that over 80 percent of money collected by super PACs comes from, "just two dozen or so individuals."  To better persuade the audience of how the current political system is flawed; the writer gives some examples of how wealthy individuals have given large sums of money to super PACs with obvious intentions to get policies put in place that favor and benefit them.
     The author of this article wrote this editorial in order to inform the general public of what is happening on Capitol Hill. Because the author criticizes members of both major parties, I believe his intentions to be noble and true. I feel the article clearly explains what is going on and why it is wrong.  From the information given by the article it is reasonable to think that some wealthy people have entirely too much say in the U.S. government.     
    


  























Friday, February 10, 2012

Controversy Over Contraceptives

     I recently read a very interesting article in the New York Times by Helene Cooper called "Obama Acts to Calm Furor on Birth Control Coverage Rule". (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/11/health/policy/obama-to-offer-accommodation-on-birth-control-rule-officials-say.html?hp)  The article is about a new administration rule requiring health insurance plans to provide free birth control to female employees.  Including plans offered by Roman Catholic hospitals, charities and colleges.  The article states that the president has revised the bill so that insurance companies' not religious institutions would have to cover the cost of the contraceptives.  The article expresses that the revision came about because of pressure from religious leaders and "Republicans in Congress and on the presidential campaign trail".
     I feel this is a great article, because of how accurately it displays the political climate of today.  Since this is such a controversial issue that crosses over so many aspects of government.  Because it's not just about religious freedom but also about women's rights and health care.  The article shows, how it can be difficult to appease a public with a variety of opposing viewpoints.