A pack-a-day or a Blunt-a-day?

The Monitoring the Future Survey was taken by 46,000 teens and showed how many and the last time they have smoked Marijuana.  The survey found that 8% of 8th graders say they've smoked marijuana in the past 30 days.  As the age increases so does the percentage of kids who've smoked pot. But on the other hand 19% of 12th graders have smoked cigarettes at any given time.  The survey shows that high school students tend to smoke marijuana more then smoking cigarettes.  Further down in the article posted on CNN states that 6% of seniors smoke pot on a daily basis.  The uprise in smoking pot as a high school student has increased while other drugs such as meth, and ecstasy have gone down since the early 2000's.  In my opinion I think marijuana should be legal.  Kids today are already doing it so why bother trying to stop it since kids are just going to rebel anyways.  Recreational use of pot doesn't affect kids like say ecstasy or other hardcore drugs.  Just let it be.


www.cnn.com  article: Marijuana use overtakes smoking in teens

TAX CUTS!

  Obama petitioned to continue the Bush Tax Cuts starting in January of 2011.  According to "Senate Tax Cut Package Filled with Sweeteners, Obama Predicts Passage" the stimulus package includes about $55 Billion dollars worth of tax extensions for individuals and businesses.  My opinion on this matter is that I guess it's ok because we have to do whatever we can to get ourselves out of a recession.  I think that the richer people should be taxed more then the middle class folks.  If it works then it works I don't have anything else really to say.

Four Lokos and You.

The famous Four Lokos, which are caffeinated malt beverages, were originally banned are now making a re-appearance.  The Food and Drug Administration petitioned to have Phusion Projects ( the company who  manufactures the Four Lokos) to remove the Caffeine and two other ingredients.  The companies who produce this type of drink would have to change their formula or they will be forced to shut down their operation.  Tests were done on some people who consumed this type of alcoholic beverage.  A Wake Forest study produced the results that people would think that they could complete tasks like driving and such after the consumption of a Four Loko or another caffeinated alcoholic beverage.  Along with these tests it hasn't been proven that these drinks have any negative impact on a person's health compared to any other alcoholic drink.  In my opinion these drinks shouldn't be outlawed with or without the caffeine in it.  You as the consumer should realize that slamming down a few of these will have a greater affect then say slamming down 4 beers.  Alcohol will mess you up either way and adding caffeine to it will just further the later affects.

The TSA.

As you may know there has been some debate on what the TSA can and can't do.  For those who don't know, the TSA is the agency that does airport security before and after you take an airplane.  What the people argue about is how the TSA should go about searching each and everyone of the passengers.  People complain that they "profile" some people and let others go.  This leads to people getting angry because someone might look like a "terrorist" and they receive tighter security then others.  Americans do want that sense of security when it comes to flying because of the events of September 11th but then they complain about the long lines and hours spent through Customs and other security checkpoints.  In my opinion I think the TSA agents should profile but also treat everyone as equally as possible.  If someone sets the alarm off on the metal detector more then once or twice then I think they should be searched, no questions asked.  But on the other hand if someone looks "American" they shouldn't just have a free pass to go through they should be searched but not as thorough as say someone who sets the metal detector off a few times.

Islamic laws in America?

On November 22 a article was posted about an argument about a ban on Islamic laws in Oklahoma courts. The argument is raised because an amendment was created in the state of Oklahoma which apparently violated the first amendment in the American Constitution in the eyes of the Islamic community.  The main reason for the argument/law suit is that the families that are Muslim want to have their private documents, wills and other documents to be written in accordance with Muslim law. Maneer Awad, who is a leader of the Muslim community in Oaklahoma, thinks that the amendment made Oaklahoma's islamic community a threat to the state.  In my opinion there shouldn't be a law suit/argument about this stuff.  If these muslims want to have their documents follow "Muslim Laws" then how bout they go back to their home country and go back to following their laws.  There shouldn't be a policy stating that its alright to bend a U.S Amendment because their muslim.  So what I'm trying to say is we as a country give you the right to practice your religion, which by the way is the main reason why this country is at war, accept the fact that we give you enough leeway with that and stop trying to bend the United States Constitution to favor your religion.  Americanize or get out.  Sorry if thats too over the top, but I'm just stating my opinion.

Marines will cooperate with the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy

On November 22 the United States Marine Corps. will comply with the repeal of the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy.  The policy is about allowing openly gay men and women into the military for active duty.  The Marine Corps which is known for their "tough guy" mentality, and their seemingly mental soldiers.  The Corps will accept the repeal which is now in the hands of the congress.  According to the article posted by CNN the U.S Senate is waiting for a report by the military about the impact of the repeal before they vote and make the decision.  In my opinion I would ask soldiers to vote on if they would like to have openly gay soldiers fighting along side.  Of course if they did that someone or people will make a stink about it and say it was a biased vote and then congress would have to think of another way to make a decision.

M1-Abrams vs. Taliban

Since the war in Iraq is technically over the U.S military focuses on a different problem.  The war in Afghanistan is the military's #1 focus on hand.  The war in Afghanistan has been going on since the start of the 2nd Iraqi war.  For those of you that don't know, Afghanistan is a very mountainous country.  The Taliban, which is Afghanistan's terrorist organization, uses this geological barrier as a source of protection from Allied forces.  This week the Government has decided to move tanks into Afghanistan to help the soldiers.  The tanks that the Allied forces use is the 68 Ton M1-Abrams.  The M1- Abrams is a tank propelled by a jet engine and houses a 120mm main cannon that hits targets from an excess of 1 mile away.  The tanks will be used in urban conflicts in Afghanistan that will help forces fight the insurgents.  In my opinion I think this is a very good idea.  The only draw back to this is how will this benefit the firefights in the mountainous areas where tanks may not be able to reach?  In my opinion the Taliban might catch onto the fact they can survive in the mountains and not have to worry about getting their arses chewed up via the Abrams tank.  I hope this does benefit the military and helps to end the war in Afghanistan and brings the soldiers home alive.

The Rent is TOO DAMN HIGH.. in the Dominican Republic

Charlie Rangel, the Republican from New York City, was found guilty of Ethics violations yesterday the 16th.  Charlie is most known for his democratic party "The Rent Is Too Damn High party" and his run for govenor.  Charlie ironically failed to pay his rent payment on his house in the Dominican Republic, and misuse of a rent controlled house.  According to Blake Chism, a republican, Rangel just got a little sloppy with his finances but some say he was trying to enrich himself.  There was no proof that Charlie Rangel was partaking in criminal acts to corrupt the government.  In my opinion I think these accusations are false.  Charlie Rangel isn't a corrupt man he just wants to change the rent to a lower price so people can afford it.  But these charges and legal fees are costing upwords of 2 million dollars.  So really Charlie and others are wasting time, money, and effort on these charges that won't hold up in court for long.

If you can't beat 'em, Nuke 'em.

On Sunday President Obama met with representatives from Russia to discuss nuclear disarmament.  The treaties between the U.S and Russia limit the amount of nuclear material in both arsenals.  The treaty has both arsenals to a maximum amount of warheads to 1,550.  For the U.S Obama has spent upwards of $80 Billion dollars for 10  years for the modernization of nuclear weapons.  On the other hand the government doesn't know if Russia will follow up with their side of the agreement.  In my opinion I think Russia will follow up with their side of the agreement.  Why wouldn't they?

Arizona has the green now.

On November 14th Arizona passed a law stating it is legal to use medical Marjuana.  The law just passed with a margin of about 4,300 votes.  Patients who are qualified are limited to cancer, AIDS, and other illnesses.  Their doctor has to have a prescription in order for the weed to be released to the patient.  The government of Arizona feels the need to give only the seriously ill people marijuana to ease the pain if the patients find the relief in it.  But in my opinion I think this small privilege will snowball into further use by people who aren't "seriously ill."  But I think recreational use will slowly but surely take over in the United States, but with strict rules.

New York would like to welcome Mr. Cuomo, our new Governor

Tuesday November 2nd New York was granted a new Governor.  Andrew Cuomo, a democrat, replaced the nearly blind former Governor David Patterson thankfully this week.  Andrew was once an Attorney General, who plans on taking care of Albany's numerous problems.  Albany's problems include but aren't limited to the notorious ethical lapses and the lavish overspending on unnecessary items. In my opinion I think that Cuomo will do this state some good.  He should try end the bad economy in the state and to take the crooks out of power.  Hopefully Cuomo can turn over a new leaf and get the state back on track.

Financial troubles

Britain, along with the U.S, is having trouble with their economy.  Britain is also using spending cuts along with the U.S.  Britain is starting to cut public jobs to save money and hopefully shock the economy to turn the recession around.  The only difference between Britain and the U.S is that if Britain were to cut $150 Billion the U.S would have to cut $450 Billion.  The U.S is in a bigger hole then most other countries in the world.  Obama and the future president need to find a way to get us either back to the positive or back to a reachable debt.

Warm that bench up for him Mr. Bush.

Chances of Obama becoming president for a second term are slim to none in my book.  I don't feel that he's done a good enough job for further "change". But thats just me.  Obama campaigned this past week in Ohio in front of Ohio State University.  MSNBC states that Obama is trying to convince the voters that his policies are working and forcing the economy back on track.  The main focus of his campaigning is keeping the Senate in the hands of the Democrats.  If this happens then his second term might be within reach.  Hopefully either he wins and changes this country dramatically, or he gets put on the presidential bench and a new president tries to make their mark.

End this recession

This recession that we're in needs to be resolved as soon as possible.  Tax cuts for the wealthy can help that.  Families that are making upwards of $250,000 annually should have higher taxes then those making less in the middle to lower class.  The extra income taken from the upper class would help to get the economy back on track. President Bush started these tax cuts back in his presidency.  The tax cuts would need to be voted on again in congress before the end of the year otherwise the tax cuts will be abolished and less money would be going to the federal government.  I think that congress should keep the tax cuts because I don't think we as a country can afford to lose any more money then we already have.  Also this notion that we borrow money from China or a different wealthy country is asinine.

Pass that to the left

California is in their final stages of legalizing marijuana.  Proposition 19 will legalize the recreational use of the drug for the state.  Even though the drug will be legalized officials will still enforce larger drug laws in the state.  Former Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders is a proud supporter of the legalization.  "What I think is horrible about all of this, is that we criminalize young people. And we use so many of our excellent resources...for things that aren't really causing any problems," said Elders in a CNN interview.  On the other hand law enforcement will have a problem with federal laws against marijuana use because of the state and local partnerships.  In my opinion I hope other states follow California's lead and legalize marijuana use because it isn't a physically addicting substance, just a trend setter.  There are other more serious crimes that are taking place that need to be enforced rather then spending time and money on little petty crimes like marijuana use.

Don't ask Don't Tell..

In a CNN article posted on October 16th, Gay's protested against the military because they're not able to serve in the armed forces.  In my opinion I don't think gays should be allowed in the military.  I don't feel that they would make the cut for the strict physical and mental states that the branches have for everyone to be considered for enlistment.  I'm fine with them maybe being pencil pushers for the military but I definitely wouldn't want them serving on the front lines.  Maybe my mentality isn't correct but frankly if I was on the front lines I wouldn't trust some gay guy with my life if we were in a life or death situation.  When it comes to the military they have a "don't ask, don't tell" policy which is good I guess because they don't want gays in but they won't come out and say they don't want them because they don't want to offend those people and their choice of lifestyle.

Who wants a McDouble with cheese?

Obama's Health Care bill is definitely the "highlight" of his presidency.  For the McDonald's corporation it's a problem.  The McDonald's corporation has over 30,000 hourly employees on it and of course has a health plan for them.  But the health plan for them doesn't match up with Obama's health overhaul for 2011.  McDonalds' health care plan costs either $14 or $32 a week for the coverage. Who knows what will happen to the employees..

Obama sues Arizona

  Arizona being so close to Mexico is obviously one of the hot spots for illegal immigration.  Since the Obama Administration already has a full plate with other topics of discussion, Arizona took the liberty of making their own laws against illegal immigration.  Obama got word of Arizona making their own laws and eventually sued the state of Arizona because Arizona does not have the authority to make laws against immigration apparently.  Since the Obama Administration sued Arizona other officials in the drug department want to know why the administration isn't suing California for legalizing marijuana.  California's law is still in place because Obama feels that there are other more important topics to worry about.



Obama sues Arizona, why not pot?

General McChrystal Relieved of His Power Because of His Remarks

    For those of you who don't know about General McChrystal pay attention.  General McChrystal was the main general in the war in Afghanistan.  One of his staff members leaked information to Rolling Stone Magazine that shouldn't have been said.  General McChrystal spoke out against Obama saying he was disappointed, and lacked trust in the Obama Administration's part in the war.  The leaked information was posted in an article in Rolling Stone Magazine which made it to the public's eye.  After the article was posted their was instantaneous feedback.  Obama of course didn't like how the General spoke about him and had him relieved of his duties.  In my opinion I don't think the General shouldn't have been relieved of his duties.  If I'm not mistaken I'm pretty sure there's something in the constitution called "freedom of speech" along with Americans being allowed to speak out against the government too.  Therefore just because the General doesn't like how the administration is running the war effort and he speaks his mind doesn't mean the President should take him out of power.  That's it...

Relieves him of his duties.