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The Experience of Design

2010-11-28T20:23:00.000-08:00

James Turnell once said, “Design today is likely to provide an experience not merely a product. The NatoStation does exactly that. Nelson Ayala created a device, which stimulates the experience of a fetus in a womb. The machine sits you in a chair which positions as if you were in a fetus. The user wears a helmet, which emits mega brain strobe lights that change the brain frequencies to 8 HZ low alpha waves, creating a state of deep relaxation. The helmet also scans your initial brain waves, which determine, the level, speed and intensity of the stimulation with video technology.

When I first saw this article I really had no interest in the product. Who would buy something that just relaxes you and costs a fortune? I mean the idea of going back in to the womb doesn’t really appeal to me at all. But looking back in to my notes I came across a quote, which hit me. Jack Turnell tells us it’s the experience, which matters even more than the product itself. That quote defines design. Design is about how it influences and effects society. The NatoStation gives society a rare experience only felt during the beginning of ones life. Who knows what the use of the NatoStation will be? But ideas like this help the world of design move forward.

New Aircraft Technology in addition to 30,000 Troops in Afghanistan

2009-12-16T17:00:00.000-08:00

In addition to Obama’s 30,000 troops in Afghanistan the U.S. military is adding more drones and expanding its video surveillance. Due to today’s modern technology many of these will be a mix of manned and unmanned aircraft. The new technology will allow each Mq-9 Reaper drone to collect 10 video transmissions and beam them back to 10 different users on the ground. With the additional troops there this new wave of men and technology will surely hasten the victory of the war.

In addition to the current 68,000 troops, the newly order 30,000 have began arriving on Wednesday. Geoff Morrell, a Pentagon spokesman said, earlier this month already has “some boots on the ground, with the rest to be flown since before Christmas”. Deptula provided the most detailed assessment to date of the Air Force plans to meet ground troops' needs for more intelligence and surveillance data. He said the expanded air capabilities would be added over the next eight months.

There is apparently a new model of the stealth drones, though much of the information was classified it is known as the Beast of Kandahar. The aircraft is to have said resemble the B-2 stealth bomber. The Air force also said they are planning to have their first MC-12W piloted surveillance plane to Afghanistan this month. By the end of late summer they plan to have a total of 30. These new models will have much advanced technology and plan to contribute much aid in winning the war,

Escalation of the war in Afghanistan

2009-12-16T16:38:00.000-08:00

As Obama’s plan to send 30,000 more marines to Afghanistan goes underway, he must sell his escalation of war to his divided Democratic allies. Major support from his own is vital in the success of the war. Sure the republican party has got Obama’s back, but there are not his own party. Many citizens during his relection supported Obama because he spoke very little of his stands on the war. McCain on the other hand spend his entire campaign on the war, which he was for. So naturally the democractic party chose Obama. By deciding to send more troops to war, he was basically slapped the democractic party in the face.

Nancy Pelosi told the reporters, "The president is going to have to make his case, to give the President room, to listen to what he has to say" before voting on funding the conflict.”.

She also states many of the Democrats are eager to vote soon, as they will get their chance next month. During this vote one lawmaker will propose plans to introduce a resolution aiming to force Obama to withdraw all US forces from Afghanistan. Though this is a highly supported plan I doubt it will even touch the president. Because of such support from the republicans not all plans of “no-war” will accepted.

Pelosi believes the vote of war is a vote of conscience. Which I believe is not true. Many governmental decisions are influenced by money and power. Every vote is definitely not of their voter’s own conscience. But the US public is deeply divided over the war, with recent opinion polls finding some 40 percent oppose Obama's escalation, which has divided congressional Democrats.

Congresswoman Anna Eshoo says TV Commericals are too loud

2009-12-14T14:49:00.000-08:00

Congresswoman Anna Eshoo purposed a bill which is scheduled to vote Tuesday which requires TV advertisements to meet a standard of volume. She found her commercials to be too loud and now has brought it to congress. By bringing on this bill, it was found a common complaint with the Federal Communications Commission advertisements were too loud. According to Eshoo’s bill, she requires the television ads to be no louder than the average maximum loudness of the programs they follow.

Robert Thompson, a professor of television and popular culture at Syracuse University, says Congress should have higher priorities than strident commercials. I totally agree with this, is this really news worthy? I mean don’t we have bigger problems in our country then loud television commercials? After the FCC heard about her bill, they just pointed to the conclusion in a case in 1984, that there was no fair way to write regulations controlling of loudness of commercials. It is complicated because of these come from different companies and contributors.

This bill may even require TV broadcaster to purchase new equipment as changing the volume over all advertisements aren’t as simple as a remote. Eshoo's bill requires the FCC to adopt those recommendations as regulations within a year and begin enforcing them a year later. If is proven nobodies hearing as been damaged. Even if the bill passes, may people won’t even notice the difference. There are different levels of volume throughout a commercials like a car screeching. So in conclusion this bill is completely pointless and Eshoo should go away.

Legalization of Medical Marijuana in D.C

2009-12-13T17:15:00.000-08:00

The possibility of legalizing medical marijuana in the District of Columbia has come up due to the $447 billion spending bill approved Sunday. Within the bill it allows Washington D.C to use local money to implement a medical marijuana measure approved in 1998. This is resurrecting an effort that was blocked because of a rider blocking money to actualize the measure. The house has passed the bill and it has been moved on to President Obama who is expected to sign it this coming week.

While the possibility of legalizing medical marijuana is high, a few problems still stand in the way. The cautious City Council and further interference from congress may slow down the process of the legislation getting finalized. Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray believes it is too early to predict what will happen because this has been silent since 11 years ago. Because there is also a chance of federal lawmakers reimposing the budget rider, the advocates of legalization are planning to avoid congress and go straight to regulating medical use of the drug through rulemaking.

It seems like at the federal level people are less likely to approve issues relating to matters like drugs. Medical Marijuana is already legalized in some states like California; there should be no problem if state governments believe their state should legalize the drug. If no prominent problems are found in states that have already legalized it, why not? It is apparent Congress does not want the country’s capital to represent legal marijuana, but the district of Columbia does.

More Stimulus Spending?

2009-12-08T17:40:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday President Barrack Obama called for a major new plan of federal spending of $150 billion or more. The focus on this new spending is the expansion of jobs. Our double digit unemployment rate has been staggering at ten percent for a while, and Obama wishes to use this plan in order to perform the last push. Staying with the idea of spending our way out of the recession, Obama also has focused on spending around $50 billion on infrastructure only mainly new bridges and highways. Though we have avoided the recession there is still much work to be done

Of course there are people who agree with this plan and people who do not. Another $150 billion will be added to the federal deficit already totaling at $12 Trillion. This plan also includes the $250 bonus spending for seniors and veterans. Mainly the Republicans in congress ridicule and talk down about Obama’s ideals. In order to get the money, The Treasury department expects to receive $200 billion in taxpayer approved bank bailout funds faster than predicted. The plan was due to come around the end of this year, although because of much argument and discussion Congress predicts the outcome around next October.

At least the president's proposal will result in one new job, he'll need to hire a magician to make this new deficit spending appear fiscally responsible," said Sen. Judd Gregg of New Hampshire, the senior Republican on the Senate Budget Committee

Obama believes the plan is much needed as it would have gone to help the banks on Wall Street to help create jobs on Main Street. But on the other side many Republicans believe the money should be dedicated to deficit reduction or additional bank bailouts. I would have to agree with the Republicans. It has only been a year since Obama released the $787 billion stimulus package. I believe the stimulus package will work…in time! Obama is too concerned with his midterm reelection and is losing focus of the outside picture. Our government is already in a large amount of debt, and though maybe spending more could fix the economy it is not worth the risk of the entire stimulus package in failing.

Troops In Afghanistan Is a Go!

2009-11-30T16:46:00.000-08:00

After much debate the final decision of Afghanistan was made, and will be announced Tuesday night. During the speech President Obama will acknowledge his plan of the 35,000 troops, and a vow stating there will be no endless U.S. commitment. If all follows he believes to have a group of marines who will be in place by Christmas. Obama’s initial goal to is end the war as soon as possible. He wishes to guide the war in to the right direction to avoid passing the war to the next president.

In his broadcast on Tuesday, President Obama will outline the 92 day plan created at the U.S Military Academy at West Point. On Monday, Obama spend his time briefing international leaders of his plans and ideas The Prime mistier of Britain, Gordon brown announced he would send 500 more troops, totaling to 10,000 in Afghanistan. The French President Nicolas Sarkozy has announced he has over 3,000 troops, and is willing to keep them there until it is necessary. Along with the additional troops from the U.S, there will be a new focus of training Afghan troops to expand the army to 134,000 by next fall.

I am glad president Obama has come to a firm decision about the situation in Afghanistan. On Tuesday night we will see if his well thought plan, is really as good as it sounds. The main focus of this plan seems to be speed. He wants to end the war as soon as he can, which is in the publics interests. One problem I see is the cost. The additional $35 billion cost must have some affect on the already massive federal deficit. The help in Afghanistan is greatly needed, but we have to remember our own problems at home.

Time is Near, and the Agrument is Weak

2009-11-29T17:06:00.000-08:00

As President Barack Obama prepares to send in about 30,000 more troops in to Afghanistan, many allies try to gain more supporters. Many of his allies in congress stress America’s moral obligation to protect the Afghan people, from the Taliban. Obama’s current stand point on sending troops to Afghanistan is realism. He believes it is the realistic thing to do, and honestly it is. But many Americans do not realize the potential damage that would be done to Afghanistan, if left alone.

Supporters urge him to stress human rights to gain support for the unpopular war. Because of what people hear and see on the media, their perspective of the war is altered from the truth. The war in general is definitely negative, but the costs of leaving Afghanistan alone would be devastating. Even in Obama’s own domestic liberal base, many are against the war. But it is because of Obama’s argument of national security a homeland defense has left his side with no strong arguable point.

If ideas were changed to help the Afghan people, the perspective on the war would differ. The White House initially decided to focus on National security, but for the last three months have avoided the subject of Human rights, in order to prevent isolation in discussions. Now that the decision is close, the smartest thing would be to strengthen their argument. Obama needs to warn those who oppose his policy, that withdrawal would leave an “awful fate” to the Afgans. If Americans feel proud or safe for a policy they will strongly support it.

Richest Man in NYC Wins Third Term as Mayor.

2009-11-14T11:47:00.001-08:00

The richest man in NYC , Michael Bloomberg won a third term as the Mayor of New York City on Tuesday. The billionaire had defeated his democratic opponent William Thompson 51 percent to 46 percent. Because Bloomberg was a man of great wealth and power, his campaign strategy of bombarding the people with campaign ads have worked successfully. The week before the election polls showed Bloomberg ahead by eighteen points, convincing critics the election was already won. The lead was nothing in comparison to Bloomberg’s victory in 2005 who pulled off a twenty point win.

It is estimated Bloomberg spent around $100 million on his campaign. Because the costs and funds of running as mayor are not federally funded, the money had come from his own pocket. This makes the billionaire’s campaign the most expensive self-financed campaign in U.S History. His opponent Thompson had used around a tenth of his cost. Thompson was favored in many black and Hispanic neighborhoods even winning by a 3 to 1 margin in some areas. Though Bloomberg did have an estimated $17.5 billion fortune and high approval ratings, because the condition of the Wall Street development, combined with his re-election, situations did not seem positive.

This story seems to further support the common political stereotype of whoever has the most money wins the election. Even with the acknowledgement of Bloomberg’s plead for longer terms in order to serve, he won. It is not surprising Thompson was in favor around the Black and Hispanic areas. The evidence of voting shows either they did not agree with his political ideas or just didn’t agree with, “the man”. Being able to fund a $100 million may seem virtually impossible for the majority of people, but for Bloomberg $100 million out of his 17.5 billion would seem very non influential to terms of his finances.

Obama encourages putting off Fort Hood Probe

2009-11-14T11:46:00.001-08:00

President Obama during his eight-day trip in Asia had urged Congress to hold off any investigation until federal law enforcement and military authorities have completed their probes into the shootings at Fort Hood, a Texas Army post. The rampage shooting at Fort Hood had left 13 people dead. Nidal Malik Hasan, the man charged for the shooting spree last week, now faces additional charges and further investigation. Obama last week, after the shooting, called for an intelligence review of the shooting and Hasan. As president Obama returns from his trip, he now focuses on paying respects to the troops at the nation’s army post and at all costs avoid political stagecraft.

President Obama had reported, “The stakes are far too high”. If political controversy began over this subject, the whole thing would blow out of proportion. The risks are too dangerous. After ordering a full review of all intelligence related to Hasan, several members of Congress have asked for a full examination of what agencies knew about Hasan’s contacts with a radical Muslim cleric in Yemen. After investigation, Congress found about twenty emails exchanged between Hasan and the cleric, in December 2008. However FBI does not see any connection of Hasan being a radical terrorist or being involved in any groups.

The shootings were indeed a tragedy for many families and friends throughout the country. But not many political figures have the same perspectives as those families. Many see the event as an opportunity to take matters in there own hands. I respect Obama’s decision to put of any investigation until probes have been completed. By encouraging the lawmakers to back off until the probes are completed, they will be able to continue the on going investigation and find every piece of information. By gathering all the information they will be able to act upon them.

EPA Email Rejected During Bush-Era, Found

2009-10-14T18:11:00.000-07:00

During the Bush Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency sent an email to Susan Dudley about six gases linked to global warming that posed danger to the public health. The twenty eight page document also included procedures to reduce and regulate the gases. The email on Dec. 5th was rejected due to its conclusion on global warming. The emailed was opened on Tuesday almost two years after it was sent to the White House. The document sited the gases effect on air quality, agriculture, forestry, water resources and coastal areas.

The Bush White house, had opposed the Clean Air Act, to address climate change. The Bush administration and EPA administrator Stephan Johnson, both agreed to hold on to the document and not present it to the public, since it was labeled "deliberative, do not distribute". Instead in July 2008, the House allowed three senators to review it when excerpts were released. The Obama administration, concluded the greenhouse gases endangered public health. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Republican lawmakers, had questioned the EPA's science, saying to review the conclusion. Many questions were found, and the EPA were told the link between global warming and health is too distanced.

The e-mail due to requests by the Freedom of Information Act, was opened. Adora Andy, a spokeswoman for EPA administrator on Tuesday said the document makes sense today, and the science is still updated. They concluded if this knowledge would have been found earlier quicker actions to prevent damage to the public health would of been considered. How could the Bush Administration just turn a blind eye to this? Isn't something of this degree at least worth investigating. Maybe not opening to the public, but they should have at least opened the email and tried to prove its conclusion. I am not sure of the degree of damage these gases could cause, but it must be a little hazardous, since the EPA was willing to send a twenty eight page report, and conduct many studies. It was interesting to see the public opinion of Bush fall, even after his presidency is over.

$250 Payments to Make Up for No Increase in Social Security

2009-10-14T17:43:00.000-07:00

Obama called congress to approve $250 payments to over 50 million senior citizens on Wednesday. The reason these payments were created was to make up for no increase in Social Security next year. This would become the first year without an increase in Social Security since 1975. Because of the current economic state the prices of gas and energy have dropped 30%. Statistics show the average monthly Social Security payment for retirees is $1,160. Now how is $250 going to make a significant change? Maybe the increase that would have been applied was a small amount, thus the sum of the differences being $250.

"Even as we seek to bring about recovery, we must act on behalf of those hardest hit by this recession," Obama said in a statement. I totally agree, thought we have have been effected by the economy one way or another many including the disabled and senior citizens have found most difficulty. The total of the bill would cost $13 billion. Obama did not allow this money to come out of the Social Security trust fund, defeating the whole purpose of the bill. Though he did not offer any alternatives, one of his senior administrator suggested to borrow the money, increasing the federal budget deficit. Another great way to add debt to the country, but in order to get out of debt we must spend money. These payments would be limited to one per person.

Obama also announced Wednesday that the IRS would soon issue tax guidance preventing reductions in contribution limits for certain retirement funds, like Individual Retirement Accounts. Many people have agreed and disagreed with Obama's move. Some believe it is important to care for our seniors, while others see if unnecessary, since Social Security payments have increased by 5.8% in January, due to the spike in energy costs in 2008. Barbara B. Kennelly, a former Democratic member of Congress from Connecticut who now heads the National Committee to PreserveSocial Security and Medicare said, "The likelihood of losing an average annual COLA increase of about $200 to $300 in 2010 may sound like no big deal to some, but for millions of seniors who've already seen a third of their Social Security eaten up byhealth care costs, this proposed COLA relief could truly make the difference". That is true if an average payment is around $1200. A third is $400, now this $250 is about 63% of that payment. Many it is small through the eyes of many, including me, but like to us how a quarter holds a decent value, this small payment should aid those in need.

McCain, the Man With No Regrets

2009-10-11T17:45:00.000-07:00

It has been eleven months since McCain’s defeat against Obama. Many things have changed for both sides. Recently McCain’s side seems to be losing its “fire”. During a White House meeting on Oct.6, McCain urged Obama to set sending additional troops in to Afghanistan a primary priority. McCain stated not to make it, “a leisurely process”. Obama replied, “John, I can assure you this won’t be done leisurely, as nobody feels more urgency to get this right than I do”. I feel as if McCain was treated like a child. Obama talked as if the problem would be solved with a short, strong, relieving statement.

After his loss, McCain’s political power has been altered. With the Senate lopsided margin of Democratic, it is difficult to cut any deals. Many of his veteran aides who have been with McCain for many years during this political career have left town or consult from a greater distance. Many close advisers report. “he has struggled to regain his footing and voice”. Its like a bad hangover, it lasts long and makes you feel down. The impact of his loss has forced McCain to reconsider running in the future, as he no longer has the motivation to run the campaign.

But with this difficult time for McCain, he always finds a way to never look at the past. Many believe it was Palin or the media who ruined his chances. But when asked about what he felt he replied, “Don’t look back in anger”. Well I’m, sure he has some regrets in his life, but at least his looks on them are positive. After all this, an even greater challenge immersed. Former Arizona Congressman J.D. Hayworth, a favorite of conservatives who has been critical of McCain's work on immigration reform, told TIME he is thinking of challenging McCain in next year's GOP Senate primary. Hayworth, has respect for McCain as a historical figure, but feels he has lost touch with the foundation of Republican values.

Congress Approves Increase in Aid to Pakistan

2009-10-05T17:37:00.000-07:00

Legislation purposed to triple the amount of aid going towards Pakistan. The bill on Wednesday September 30, 2009 was passed to President Barack Obama for his signature. The bill, approved by the house would provide Pakistan with $1.5 billion every year for five years. Even though the world is going through tough economic times, America has enough money to give to poor countries. But history has proven many similar instances come with an hidden intention.

This aid would focus on democratic, economic and social development programs. But though we are struggling with the economy and spending even more money would create a bigger debt we have to remember the United States has an enormous stake in the security and stability of Pakistan. Creating a strategic partnership with Pakistan and its people was an important task. To make Pakistan a source of stability in an unstable region, we must strengthen Pakistan's democratic government.

The aid would also strengthen Pakistan's legislative and Judicial system. For social benefits it would improve Pakistan's public education system, allowing access for women and girls, its health care, and human rights. How can we create a stable health care program for others, when ours is terrible. I believe congress overlooks the fact the Pakistan region's culture is far different then ours. So we can force social, ethnic and religious rules. The aid also plans to provide Pakistan with military assistance, as long as they follow a set of conditions. These conditions include cooperating in stopping the production of nuclear weapons, and combating against terrorist groups. The senate passed the bill on a voice vote last week, as President Obama attended a meeting in New York of Pakistan supporters. He quoted, The United States is firmly committed to the future that the Pakistani people deserve, a future that will advance our common security and prosperity." With this bill maybe the the Pakistan region may become stable.

Green Technology funded by the House

2009-09-20T14:30:00.000-07:00

The government has been evolved with many matters recently in order to save our economy. But many can agree this new proposition from the House, will benefit all even thought it may cost us a little extra. The House is currently considering government-led research of fuel-efficient vehicle technology. A bill, expected to vote on Wednesday, allows the Energy Department to spend up to $550 million on advanced research. Because fossil fuels are a limit resource within our earth and will become depleted within the next generation, drastic measures must be taken. We must sacrifice a little to build a better future.

The new idea mimics the recent actions of Obama and his administration, aiding GM with billions of dollars to help lead them through bankruptcy. Also Congress approved $25 billion last year to help the industry retool assembly plants to meet tougher fuel economy standards. Some things have become a large priority over others, and I believe this bill is extremely important in commercializing green fueled cars. GM has recent released a car, The Volt which gets 230 miles per gallon. Imagine the potential this bill provides in future technology. The officials believed with this new bill the gas mileage standards will rise to 35.5 miles per gallen,

Rep. Gary Peters, D-Mich believes the new bill holds great investment in the major automoblies companies to lead in green fuel technology. After The Big Three, GM, Ford and Chrysler have been rebuilding, their new focus will be the next generation of cars soon releasing new products like The Volt.The bill would authorize $2.9 billion to the Energy Department to boost the research over five years. The bill would also encourage funding research with Universities. I believe this bill is a large benefit to our country, or our entire world of that matter, in order to save the earth.

The Speech Full of Hopes

2009-09-12T14:26:00.000-07:00

With President Obama facing many of the difficult challenges facing our nation today, he made a speech to congress on Sept. 9 about the details of the new health care plan. The speech overall did its job and had a decent effect. Starting with, “Here are the details that every American needs to know about this plan,” he lists the goals and objectives within the new plan delivered through a clear and concise speech. He believed the instead of getting rid of the entire reform (like many Americans purpose), he believes in, “working on what works and fix what doesn’t,” a sensible and complex approach.

The details include putting a limit on out-of-charge expenses, which has devastated many Americans today. Though these were considered details, are they really? Quotes like, “One of the basic goals of this plan is to secure and stabilize those who already have health care and insure the ones who don’t.” Isn’t that common sense? Is that not the purpose for the health care reform? On the other side there is so much a President can say in one speech. Though short and simple, the speech had many powerful words and ideas. He also includes an idea orignally purposed by McCain during his campaign, stating “Those who cant get insurance today, we will immediately offer low cost coverage that will protect you from financial ruin if you become seriously ill.”

During the speech Obama also discusses the “lies and accusations” being made by those who wish to remove the reform entirely. He defends against the lies and tell the truth about their criticism. As Obama continues to comfort the audience with his words about the future, he states, “I will not sign a plan that adds one dime to our deficit, so do not to fear the future.” It that possible? Can the reform plan really not add to our deficit? The impossible never ceases to amaze me. In short, he delivered the facts well through his strong words achieving the goal of the speech.

As the Stimulus plan goes up Obama goes down.

2009-09-07T14:33:00.000-07:00

Economists at Goldman Sachs say the %787 billion stimulus bill, officially called the American Recovery and Reconstruction Act, has resulted in a 2% to 3% boost to annual Gross domestic product in the second and third quarters of this year. This increase has given vision to the end of the recession and potential for growth. Though one of Obama’s major bill that was passed in his early office months, has now put an positive effect on our economy, his poll numbers has dramatically decreased from 65% to around 50% as Americans have become concerned about the health care reform and large government spending.

One of the obvious reasons of disagreement is the loss of jobs. Though the GDP has increased up to 3% the rate of employment still remains around 9.7% with employers cutting 216,000 jobs in August. While jobs usually follow economic rebounds, the employment is higher then was predicted. Because of the lack of jobs, many Republicans believe no more of the stimulus money should even be spent. Don Steward, spokesman for the senate’s top republican states, "The metric of this bill was job creation," Mitch McConnell replies, "and it hasn't done that."

Despite the $88 billion infused in the economy during these past six months, Obama’s reputation has become reconsidered. Much of the money has been aim to the low income citizens of America. Almost $28 billion has gone in to Mediaid, $19 billion in to unemployment payents, $4 billion to student fincial assitnce, and 62.5 billion in tax breaks. With all these payments put in the economy, I don’t understand why people realize Obama’s intentions. Though it takes much time, the progress to fix the economy has shown very positive results.

McCain meets Much Hostility in Phoenix

2009-08-30T20:25:00.000-07:00

On August 26, 2009 Sen. John McCain met an interestingly active crowd at the town-hall in Phoenix. This meeting was about the current issue of the health care reform. McCain was met with much aggression and anger; even to at one point had to ask a woman to leave. Even before McCain had opened the meeting the woman had begin to yell over what McCain was saying. After many attempts of asking her to stop, she was escorted out by a security guard with much applause.

The reason these Town-Hall attendees were so heated, was the fact they believe “their” health care is being negatively influenced by the government. We as humans were raised to believe, many of the problems in our lives are “unfair”. Once we acknowledge the fact the Government is treating us, “unfair”, we react immediately not even knowing why these decisions were made. McCain quotes, "There's more interest and involvement in this issue than I've ever seen in many years on a domestic issue.”

The meeting was continued with many pointless and unreasonable questions and comments. One man pointed at Sen. McCain and yelled why McCain deserves a better health care than him. McCain just replied back, “I’m trying to get it for you”. After which a few members of the crowd of 2,000 people, talked about their medical problems like HIV and other serious illnesses. Last time I check Sen. McCain was a politician not a doctor. McCain just responded too many of these questions with his opposition to President Barack Obama’s plan to compete with the private insurers, saying it would become a governmental takeover.

The Life of a Caged Dweller

2009-08-23T18:54:00.000-07:00

All over the world, many have felt the impact of today’s economy, some more then others. As the unemployment rate in China from May to July 2009 rose to 5.4%, the number of East Asian urban dwellers has increased. Nearly 40% of East Asian urban dwellers live in slum conditions. Many are forced to live in a 20-square feet area of an apartment shared by up to 21 residents. Up to 100,000 residents due today’s economic problems currently live in these dreaded “caged” urban dwellings.

The idea of these cage dwellings were created in the 1950s due to the rush of immigration to China. These small areas are often spilt by thin wooden slabs or steel mesh wire for the individual’s belonging and a small mattress. They all share a single toilet and shower in a small corner, but in a more positive side they are provided with air conditioning which turns on at 9pm. Many suffer from poor hygiene, irritation from cockroaches and bed bugs. Most residents are the working poor, mentally ill, the elderly, children, and the occasional drug addict. From only the past year the rate of new tenants has risen 5%. It’s an area of many populated cities people do not think about, but are constantly seen.

It’s hard to believe the influence of the current economy has effected many these extreme conditions. While many of the wealthiest men come from Hong Kong, a third of its seven million residents live in public housing. But like any realistic human, many would not sacrifice a large portion of their wealth to benefit those he does not know. The idea of living in a cage cubby is just beyond me. During my younger years, growing up sharing a room was unbearable; the idea of sharing with 20 other residents is simply preposterous