Podcast

Facts:
1.  Rosen says that the GPS case could be the most important privacy case of the decade.
2.  Google has been pressured by the U.S government to remove terrorist videos form Youtube.
3.  No amendments give clear answers for the questions of today.
4.  The digital world creates an opportunity to invade our privacy.
5.  Judge Douglas Ginsburg states that there is a difference between short term and long term surveillance.
6. The Constitution cannot regulate social media.
7.  Jeffery Rosen is a professor at George Washington University.
8.  We have to assume that we are being monitored 24/7.
9.  Germany has greater concern for collecting data than the U.S
10.  The PATRIOT Act expanded the amount of surveillance.

Questions:
1.  How can the government keep track of online sources without invading privacy?
2.  Should the government block certain things online?
3.  Is it right for governments to pressure companies like Google to remove certain content?
4.  Will a new amendment need to be added to address the Internet?
5.  Does the Internet need to be censored like TV or radio?

Political Cartoon #7



Are the Republicans wishing they had a different Candidate?
Is Romney too moderate for the Republican Party?
Would a moderate nominee stand a better chance in winning than having a conservative one?

New York Times Budget Puzzle

I have solved the budget. 
46% Savings from tax increases
54%Savings from spending cuts
$627 billion
$1,826 billion

Issue of the Week: Defense

1.  Should Congress cut defense spending?
2.  How much would a cut affect the military?
3.  Will a cut help recover the economy? 

Third Parties

1.  58% of Americans believe we need a third major party
2.  Democrats feel that a third party could threaten President Obama's election campaign
3.  Both parties are owned by corporate interests
4.  Obama betrayed public campaign finance
5.  Wall Street was Obama's major source of contributions
6.  Has been said that the role of third parties is to "sting like a bee and then die"
7.  Nation serves corporations
8.  Nation has been coasting since World War II
9.  Will a third party bring the other two parties from the far extremes of their parties?
10.  Will a third party eventually find itself in the same predicament as the Democrats and the Republicans? 

Political cartoon #6

1.  Do you think that it is a good thing that the Pentagon is having spending cuts?
2.  Do you think this will help the economy recover?
3.  Do you consider this a victory for those in Congress who supported the spending cuts or do you think this will not be taken seriously?

Truths about the American Political System

1.  Third parties are not considered competitive against Democrats and Republicans. -
2.  Candidates have to appeal to the extremes of their parties if they want to win nomination. -
3.  It is difficult of win an election over a sitting president.  0
4.  Political parties believe in many different ideas to appeal to a lot of people. +
5.  Bureaucracy helps the government in certain activities.  +
6.  Campaign ads use more sound bites then before.  -
7.  Candidates focus on some states more than others.  -
8.  People do not vote due to not knowing enough information. -
9.  The executive branch sometimes knows more about foreign affairs than Congress. -
10.  We have a checks and balance system. +
11. The size of the House cannot become any bigger even though population has been growing. 0
12.  The executive branch has become more powerful over the years. -
13. Office holders focus on winning reelection than on issues.  -
14.  Congress members vote on party lines.  -
15. Some candidates can raise more money than their opponent, giving them an advantage. -
16. Media plays a big part of what information is presented to the public. -
17. It is hard for legislation to pass because there is usually a divided government. -
18. Most media shows bias toward one party or the other. -
19. Politicians may sometimes be influenced by lobbyists.-
20. Interest groups have an influence over the government. -