Ebola Epedemic

Ian Grant
10/29/2014

Mandatory Ebola Quarantines

     Provisions have been made by the U.S. to prevent the spread of ebola from African countries and promote awareness of ebola within the states. One of these provisions pertains to US soldiers and civilians returning home to the state after being stationed in areas near/within Ebola quarantine zones. According to Washington (CNN), a 21-day quarantine for all military personnel (only) serving in Ebola stricken areas of west Africa is expected to be approved by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel Wednesday. This quarantine was called into effect due to the recent outbreak of the early signs of Ebola in America. In result of this epidemic, provisions such as these quarantines have been imposed to prevent further outbreaks from traveling back to the US. Previous efforts to prevent the outbreak have been successful despite the fact that we now know Ebola is present in America. This success has raised arguments on whether further quarantines are necessary to be enacted and Defensive Secretary Chuck Hagel is in favor of expanding this quarantine program due to recent Ebola cases in the US.

     Washington's (CNN) reports that Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is expected to approve a 21-day quarantine for all military personnel serving in Ebola stricken areas of West Africa. The quarantine was pushed forth by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and was acknowledge by the Pentagon. The provisions were originally pertaining to all civilians attempting to leave West Africa but assessments are being imposed to see whether or not quarantines are still necessary to enact towards US travelers seeking to return home to the states. The policy pushes for the creation of a separation of rules for military members and civilian health care workers. 

"President Obama has argued that civilian volunteer health workers returning from aid trips to Africa should not be quarantined and the White House has urged states not to impose their own quarantine policies. Science, Obama has said, does not support the need for a quarantine."

http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/29/politics/military-ebola-quarantine/index.html?hpt=po_c2#

     Asked to explain the discrepancy between civilians and the military, Obama stated that service members have been sent to the Ebola region by him and health workers are going as volunteers. "It's part of their mission that's been assigned to them by their commanders and ultimately the commander-in-chief so they don't expect to have similar rules for military as we do for civilians," Obama said. Personnel, if they're in the military, are under more circumscribed conditions than sent civilian officials. The chiefs did not have new scientific or medical data about Ebola when they pressed for Hagel to approve the quarantine of military officials. This is simply about the chiefs looking at the best way to take care of the force, the families and the communities to which they are returning.  In their discussions, the chiefs noted that many of the US troops are young and inexperienced in any medical issues. There was concern they might not adhere to an informal protocols such as simply taking their temperature twice a day on their own. Concern for the troops were expressed on both the home front and stations within Europe. The US already has 1,000 troops on the ground, and that force could grow to a total of 4,000 which is the largest American group in this area. During the press conference, "The chiefs believe it is better to start more restrictive and then re-assess as we get further into the Ebola operation," said one official. 

     For now, troops will be held in quarantine at bases designated by each of the military services. There will be provisions for compassionate leave—allowing troops to leave quarantine if they have a family emergency such as an illness or death. The quarantine will also not apply to those just briefly travelling to Liberia, or aircrews flying in an out, although everyone is told to monitor their temperatures. The provision allows for specific restrictions to be lifted while also taking a cautious approach to this situation. We want to keep our civilians and troops safe in this time of disease and distress This provision is a step towards regulating the potential of spreading Ebola further in the US while also attempting to allow for certain travel restrictions to be lifted for those seeking to return home to the states.

Obama Care

Ian Grant
10/22/14

Obama-Care

    Healthcare in the U.S. has become a real pandemic for many citizens. Many cannot afford the coverage and suffer because of it. President Obama has made efforts to aid this issue through establishing a program called Obama-care. This program would allow for many to afford quality health coverage whom are not able to afford regular health care services. This increased availability of coverage is beneficial for many citizens but many view this program as a cancer. Saying that Obama-care accumulates more cost than rewards. We will discuss the pros and cons of this issue and determine whether or not this program is beneficial to the U.S.

     Many citizens are denied or cant afford decent health care. Rates from hospitals and different coverage companies drive families to live without protections for themselves. Low income families whom don't earn enough to afford decent coverage must take greater risks to survive knowing that if an accident occurs they may not be able to turn to the hospitals for care due to coverage costs. The establishment of Obama-care was a step forward to eliminating the need of care for those unfortunate citizens. This program allows for millions to have access to decent health care in the marketplace and gives those citizen certain privileges that regular coverage programs establish for their clients. It cut down on health care premium costs, lowered rates for young adults and Seniors, and allowed the creation of new prevention services and benefits. It also help curb spending within the health care system. The goal was to allow cheap insurance and allow those in need to have medical resources ready incase of a emergencies where many citizen would normally not be able have available due to costs.

     With aid cost rebound laws and costs. Taxes have become a primary source of income for the government. Programs require funding and the citizens pay everyday to ensure the effectiveness of these new programs. Providing health care cost a large chunk of federal funding. When coverage is expanded, taxes and other reparations are taken into effect. Taxes are implemented on citizens, mainly higher earning families, which effect the citizens directly and could spark individual or employer mandates. The expansion of Medicaid is funded by both the state and the federal government. If states refuse to increase coverage millions will suffer from the in-availability of coverage options. Also, the program CHIP requires the use of federal and state funding which adds to taxes added to society. Coverage companies are force to aid all clients which will create an increase in coverage for everyone on that specific health coverage plan. Some companies have cut employee hours just to compensate for the insurance increases effecting employee net worth as well as increasing premium cost for clients.

     Obama care is a great idea to end the need for affordable coverage. This program does aid those in need and allows for quality care to be available for all, but the costs may outweigh the rewards of more affordable healthcare. Taxes and other costs are implemented with the creation of coverage laws which can focus a greater financial issue that coverage holders may not be prepared for. Actions must be taken to enforce Obama care by aiding citizens while at the same time keeping costs low enough not to put a financial restraint on those seeking coverage. Keeping availability high and costs low for the U.S.

Drone USA

Ian Grant
10/8/2014

Drone USA

   Citizens deserve the right to protection and the government has a duty to provide such protection for our safety. We bring in elected officials to make living in the U.S. peaceful for its people but lately there has been a dramatic shift in activities and funding put forth towards domestic safety in the states. One main issue has been the funding and the increasing use of drones for surveillance and other "security" purposes. In the last couple of years, there have been mass movements towards making drones more widespread in the U.S. and many citizens do not believe that these drones are being used for the right purposes. I will discuss how this issue has been progressing lately and go more in depth with public opinion on this matter.

   There are pros and cons to the use of drones. With our current and past experience with war on international terror, between the U.S. and other countries, we have rapidly become more alarmed and defensive for the publics safety.

   The government funds drone programs in the states and efforts to increase drone production and used have become more favorable over the years. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allows drones to be used inland on a case-by-case basis, largely for public and research use by law enforcement agencies and universities. There has being talk amongst reporters stating that the FAA is making outline plans to allow a more widespread use of these for commercial or private use by 2015. This could mean an increase in state regulation in 2014, bringing new laws balancing security opportunities and privacy concerns that come with heightened drone use. This is where the opposition from the citizens comes into play.

  Efforts have been made by many states to get a head start on government plans that would allow agencies to use drones in the U.S. Laws have been enacted to protect citizen privacy by putting certain restrictions on the use for and authority of drone handlers. :

"In 2013, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Montana, Oregon and Tennessee passed similar laws clarifying that police needed a warrant to use information gathered via drones, except during emergencies. And lawmakers might start to consider more complex aspects of the issue, such as how long authorities should hold on to data collected via drones, and what, exactly, they can do with it."

http://www.governing.com/topics/politics/gov-2014-legislative-issues-to-watch.html

The states have finally started to fight back against drone progress but if the FAA has its way there would be drones everywhere and in almost any agency willing to purchase a drone. What worries people the are the agencies that are truthful with the use of there drones. Regulations need to be imposed to make sure agencies are not using drones for unrelated activities. For example, what if the cops are using drones for task and happen to spot unrelated illegal activity in the process. Actions should be taken to make sure the recordings from the drones are not miss used and what actions can be taken to prevent similar mishaps in the future.

Immigration in the U.S.

Ian Grant

9/10/2014

Immigration in the U.S.

   This nation is in disarray over the increasing crowded populations appearing throughout the states. More and more immigrates find ways to cross the boarders and soon we will be in an extreme crisis regarding resources, housing, rates, and other negative regulations imposed on citizens. To counter this issue, the U.S. Senate may look toward passing bills and legislations regulating entry into the country and help educate what undocumented immigrants that are already here in the states.

   Border patrols have increased defenses against immigrants daring enough to cross the borders illegally. Bills have been passed over the years that have funded increasing defenses while they should have been allocated to the states where the real issues on immigration are. There are millions of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. and instead of attempting to keep them out we should help them prosper freely as an American citizens have had the opportunities in life to do in this country.

"In 2013, the U.S. Senate passed a comprehensive bill that linked enhanced border security with a pathway to citizenship for the country’s estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants. So far the proposal has languished in the House. But whether or not a new immigration law is enacted by Congress this year, the issue will remain a top priority in state capitals."

         http://www.governing.com/topics/politics/gov-2014-legislative-issues-to-watch.html

   Many would agree that this proposal should be put forth immediately. Passing a bill like this would allow immigrants a way to earn their citizenship into the U.S. legally and allow them to gain the same education and knowledge as the rest of the nations. Give immigrant to a chance to strive for more than just a minimum wage job just to get by.

   Other states have already begun to experiment with increasing access to higher education. Places such as Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota and Oregon have join thirteen other states in allowing immigrant whom have passed the local high school level to receive in-state tuition from universities and colleges. The next big issue would be attempting to get a bill passed allowing these undocumented immigrant college students to in-state financial aid to help funding which many of these families come from low income households where funding is already scarce.

"Washington state considered a bill in 2013 that would have granted state financial aid to low-income, undocumented immigrant college students. The proposal passed the state House but died in the Senate."

        http://www.governing.com/topics/politics/gov-2014-legislative-issues-to-watch.html

   With a little bit of a push, this proposal may resurface within the next year. Another step that states and lawmakers have proposed for unregistered immigrants would be to issue driver's licenses to non-citizens for "public safety" purposes. Last year at least ten states including the District of Columbia decided to permit driver’s licenses to non-citizens, with the eligibility criteria varying by state. This act was largely a response to a new legal status bestowed upon some immigrants by President Obama’s 2012 executive order known as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This federal order protects young undocumented immigrants from deportation, so long as they meet certain qualifications related to age, education, noncriminal status and military service. Since this order went into effect, at least 25 states have considered proposals to extend driver’s licenses to this population.

   Immigration laws are changing everyday. Immigration may been seen as an over crowding issue but others view it as opportunities to grow as diverse groups continue to pour into the country. We should welcome those who are here undocumented and give them a chance to earn an education like normal citizens. That's what democracy and this country stands for, equal opportunities for all as a universal rule. Everyone deserves equal opportunities and protects under democratic law.

Minimum Wage Laws

Ian Grant
9/17/2014

Minimum Wage Laws

   The U.S. is in terrible debt. Billions of dollars have been lost by our government and the citizens continue to suffer from it. Taxes and federal wage control are a main sources of funding used to chop away at this countries overall deficit, but cutting someones funds to fuel an ever expanding debt is wrong. Some states have just begun to realized the damage that comes with regulations on a workers earnings and have started to counter previous laws such as minimum wage laws.

   Efforts have been made by President Obama to increase the federal minimum wage to nine dollars per hour. Though this is only a slight increase, it acts as a symbol to the states that we need to start giving back to our citizens. It also puts pressure on the states and localities to take action.             Through economic trends and public sentiment, several states are will consider increases in 2014. Advocate parties (blue states such as Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts and Minnesota, lawmakers in Alaska, Idaho and South Dakota) are making the push to get legislations passed to increase wages.

As well as the presidential campaign supporters on wage including Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin who have been making moves towards combining a ballot measure with a legislative efforts to apply pressure to lawmakers. This action has had success in the past in Michigan.

"In recent years, California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island have all passed hikes that raised the minimum wage above the federal $7.25-per-hour floor. Some cities are inclined to go further. Major cities with high costs of living could join San Francisco in setting much higher wages for service and other industries."

     http://www.governing.com/topics/politics/gov-2014-legislative-issues-to-watch.html

   It wont be much longer until every state is on board with this plan to raise wages. San Jose, being one of those major cities, has raised the minimum wage rate from nine to ten dollars per hour.
I being a worker in San Jose am grateful for the increase but I like many other employees believe this isn't enough. Not to be gluttonous citizens against our government but to simply be properly paid for the work and services we perform for this country daily.

Global Warming in U.S.

Ian Grant
9/24/2014

Global Warming in the U.S.

     Climate change has become a critical issue in the U.S. With the increase in technological evolutions and overall emissions from vehicles and other power sources we have continued to experience fluctuating temperatures, recession of water resources, increase of harmful emissions in the air, etc. Los Angeles for one, is a main factor and contributor to the state that this country is in. Measures must be taken soon if we want to clean this world and live long healthy lives.

     Cars have been one of the main contributors to rising gas emissions which poison this world. Carbon gas cause the temperature the shift, cold areas melt while warm area may freeze over and vice versa. Regarding the United States, we suffer from increased heat temperatures and water supply depletion. Some states such as Los Angeles and New York have one of the largest populations of car owners in this country.

     The citizens of L.A. risk their health and well-being every time they wake up and turn their cars on to leave for work. The city is like a beehive with a swarm of works rushing off to work packing up every freeway and pumping endless emissions into the growing gas cloud hovering over the city. Rivers in the area have high risks of drying out, crippling farmers and residents dependent on the water supply. Lakes become sand pools and trees become more scarce as the city continues to expand and substitute vegetation for concrete.

     "Saying that California was at the “epicenter” of the impact of climate change, Mr. Brown said that states and nations in general were “not on a sustainable path” when it came to global warming and the harsh weather patterns and other problems it brings." 

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/20/us/politics/in-california-climate-issues-moved-to-fore-by-governor.html?_r=0

     We have to work together to fix our environment and we must seek more efficient and conservative sources of energy. Innovations such as converting cars from gas power to electric or adopting emission and consumption regulations for citizens which eight Western U.S. states have already begun enacting within state laws. It's our job to save this country and we can only achieve that through collective dedication to cleaning up our pollutants.