Huckabee's "Willie Horton" Moment

Has Huckabee made the same mistake as former MA Governor and Democratic Presidential Nominee Michael Dukakis?

A man accused of killing 4 police officers in Washington is under search by officials right now, and possibly dead or alive.

The issue on hand is whether former Arkansas Governor, and GOP Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee was wrong in commuting the suspected man's sentence when he was 17. The man was originally sentenced to 95 years for various crimes, of which one was considered violent by the courts. Then Governor Huckabee felt that the sentence was too harsh and long for a 17-year-old, and felt he could be rehabilitated.

Was the Governor wrong in commuting the sentence? How will the conservative media react to his decision? The Liberal media?

Sarah Palin's Book Tour

Over the last few weeks, Sarah Palin has been touring the country to do book signings for her new book "Going Rogue". It is to be a tell-all of her life, her experiences as Mayor of Waleska, AK, as Governor of Alaska, and finally the 2008 Presidential Campaign as the Vice Presidential nominee to John McCain for the Republican Party. It is very easily considered a memoir.

Much of the fervor over this has been will Palin run for President in 2012? The stakes are high for the GOP, and quite honestly for her as well due to certain unforgettable moments during the campaign where she didn't exactly help her image, nor that of the campaign. But, Palin has a STRONG following among conservatives around the nation for her simplistic style of leadership, her straight-forward talking, and her self-proclaimed image as a "hockey mom".

The question here is, as the media attacks her from one way or the other, what are they attacking and is it fair? We all know which networks will stand behind her, and which ones will throw stones at her with everything they have. CNN has become somewhat more of a middle player during this fiasco, but the likes of Fox News and MSNBC will always be at odds. With Fox, Glenn Beck will support any conservative who speaks out, the jury is still out on Bill O'Reilly, and Sean just loves a conservative. On MSNBC's side, you won't hear a good word for her out of Chris Matthews, Keith Olbermann, or Rachel Maddow. But what are they attacking: her or her book?

The book I'm sure has political dialogue in it about the Democratic Party, and "corruption" in general for both sides. But this is a memoir so-to-speak for Palin. She hasn't decided to run for higher office again, and will only do so "if the American people will have me". If she were obviously using this as a platform for her next campaign, I could understand the constant attacks. But for a book? Why must we sink so low?

Now to the readers. Do you think the media is being to harsh on Sarah Palin based on her book, or her?

Gay Rights and Pro-Life

This past weekend, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) along with several thousand protesters, marched on D.C. to support President Obama and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) citizens in their efforts for equal opportunity marriage, and the repealing of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." These are topics that have been in conversation since the 1970's, and with each President arises again. Although, these topics are usually front-runners with Democratic Presidents.

The HRC supports efforts to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, and the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy that doesn't allow gays or lesbians to serve openly in the military. There are many that do, they just are not allowed to express their sexual orientation or feelings among others on the job. This act was removed by Bill Clinton, and put back in place by George W. Bush. President Obama has pledged, and promised, to repeal it once again.

The story is how this was covered by the media. I personally did not watch much news this weekend besides local channels, due to my push in the last week or two to focus less on national issues. I overload myself with national news at times, and needed a break. Twitter does not stop though. As I checked my tweets, I constantly read @foxnewsradio tweets about the rally and how big it was. This did not surprise me. What did surprise me was one tweet in particular that said the HRC and LGBT community was getting all the press this weekend, and no one was paying attention to the pro-life rally also being held in D.C. I am personally unsure about this claim, as I didn't watch as much news this weekend, but wondered if any of you heard anything about both rallies? Considering the current President, and his recent statements to repeal both the marriage act and the military policy, it does not surprise me that coverage would be biased towards this particular group when the rally has been planned for weeks. I do hope there was coverage for both, as both need to have their voices heard. I want to hear from fellow students as to their opinions on the coverage, and the facts on what was seen this weekend.

My Option

Okay, so as I said in my first post, I'm going to give you my healthcare "public option" if we absolutely have to have one. Let me preface this by saying, I DON'T EVEN SUPPORT THIS OPTION. But this is just my idea if the public option idea has to be.

Most companies that offer healthcare insurance do so by taking the amount paid towards it each month from your check, as are taxes. If you're employer doesn't offer healthcare, but give you a stipend for it then you pay yourself. The same applies if nothing is offered, but you want to buy insurance yourself. You pay straight out of pocket.

Well, if Congress is going to require a public-style option, then do so this way. For those who already have health insurance, allow them to keep it as is their right to do so for choice. If there are people who WANT the government offered public option, they may enroll one of two ways: 1. If your employer offers healthcare, tell your employer you want to enroll in the public option instead. File the paper work and the cost each month will still be taken out of your check like taxes, only now it basically is more taxes just part being paid for healthcare. 2. Your employer does not offer healthcare and you usually choose to buy from the private market. You simply enroll in the public option and again have it taken from your taxes.

I know this sounds to "simple" to be an option, but that's the point. As I said, I do not support the above ideas overall, but I think it is the only fair way to do so if the public option is implemented. Nobody should be required to have healthcare in my view. This is a choice, not a mandate. It is your life to protect, so do so at your own will.

Blog For Class, and Obama's Joint Session with Congress

This is my 1st blog entry for this class. I had one from a previous class, but couldn't remember how to get into it so i've created a new one.

Tonight President Barack H. Obama will speak once again to a joint session of Congress. His topic for tonight is Universal Healthcare. The issue has been on the table for a month or two now, and Congress has just re-convened. The President will tell the nation what he will, and will not, support in the bill in order for him to sign. The bill must get through the House of Representatives first, and then Senate. Say all you want about signing, and yes both chambers have the votes to pass, but these people also have hopes of being re-elected.

With the passing of long-time Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy of Massachusetts, the bill has taken on a third wind in both chambers to "honor" Sen. Kennedy's service to our nation. For those who may not know, universal healthcare was Kennedy's life-long goal. His "spirit" hanging in the Senate will most likely give both left-wing and moderate senators more energy in pushing this bill through.

How do you feel about healthcare in general? Whether it be universal, public option or not, purely private insurers?

I have an idea that I'd like to share, but will in my next post because my battery is dieing currently.

Also, follow me on twitter at @rpotts24.