Let's turn our attention this week to current US politics and what the budget negotiations in Washington, D.C. mean for us. If the Republicans in the House of Representatives and the Democrats in the Senate (and President Obama) fail to agree on a budget for the second half of this year, the government will "shut down". This has actually happended several times, one of which was very politically important. To catch you up on the current situation I'd like you to read the article from the Christian Science Monitor located at the link http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2011/0223/If-a-government-shutdown-occurs-what-actually-happens .
Looking back to 1995, the Republican Party had just won massive victories in the midterm elections, taking control of the House of Representatives and the Senate while the Democrats controlled the White House(sounds familiar, right?). Like today, the two sides immediately clashed over spending. The Republicans wanted to cut spending by reducing government programs in order to reduce the deficit (government debt) and lower taxes. Democrats argued that the government spending was necessary and that people would suffer if the programs were eliminated. The Republicans were led by Newt Gingrich who was Speaker of the House of Representatives and Bob Dole, the minority leader of the Senate. Of course, Bill Clinton was President
A very short, clear summary of the events can be found at the link http://www.worldlingo.com/ma/enwiki/en/Federal_government_shutdown_of_1995 . To read the transcript of a PBS newscast during the dramatic negotiations, go to the link http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/clinton/etc/11131995.html . The newscast is rather long, but if you read a some of it you'll get a sense of the tension surrounding the political fight in Washington.
Answer the following questions: How important is compromise in the political system? If we send elected officials to Washington to represent our beliefs and values, when is it appropriate for them to concede some of those beliefs in order to meet the other side in the middle? What is your opinion of the current budget battle? Are there differences between now and 1995? (Need I remind you that rude or disrespectful posts will be deleted, meaning that you will receive no credit for the assignment?).
The requirements for this assignment are exactly the same as all those that preceded it. Have a good week!
How important is compromise in the political system? Obviously, compromise is important no matter what you're talking about, but it is especially important in the political system. If a compramise can not be found, it can lead to many things that people do not necesarily want (for example, the seccesion of South Carolina and 10 other southern states in 1861) It is extreamly important for compromise to be found in the political system, even though it often means that some things are ignored or banned or what not for sake of ending the argument peacefully. Without a peaceful compromise, things can get out of hand and lead into things no one wants, such as the War of Northern Aggression (Civil War).
ReplyDeleteWhen is it appropriate to concede some beliefs in order to meet the other side in the middle? I think this depends on what is being argued. For example, the aborition issue. I can't see a way to peacefully compromise that issue or to "concede some beliefs in order to meet the other side in the middle." The only way I can see the abortion issue solved would be to completly get rid of it, or to make it completly legal (I pray for the first) So, depending on the situtation that is needing a compromise, the answer to this question can not truly be answered. Depending on the situation, different beliefs should be conseded to meet in the middle and form a peaceful compromise.
What is my opinion of the current budget battle? To the the truth, I don't know enough to really have an opinion. But if I had to say something, I would say that just the thought of a goverment shutdown would not be very pleasent, even though I don't agree with the government about anything really. From what I read, if the Democrats and Republicans (which I think is unfair since the other parties should be mentioned as well. If they are, sorry I didn't hear bout them being involved) can't compromise about the budget, then the goverment will shut down and many workers will be working without pay, while the goverment workers will kind of not be working and still get paid (if this is wrong, I'm sorry. That's just what I figured when I read the page). That doesn't seem very fair to me. I hope they do come up with a compromise, not for the goverment's sake, but for any who would loose money because of the shutdown.
Works Cited: http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2011/0223/If-a-government-shutdown-occurs-what-actually-happens and http://www.worldlingo.com/ma/enwiki/en/Federal_government_shutdown_of_1995
I would say it is really important, that they will compromise in their situation. Because after a short time, it will have effects on the people and the country itself. If they don't find a compromise, people will start asking and questioning this whole situation, which is not the best thing that could happen to the politics. Compromise means to find an agreement between the both sides. Normaly it's not what they really want, but that's exactly what they are trying to find, something in the middle which would work for all of them. And that is important, loosing money and eventually votes for the next election is not a good condition. I mean a lot of people will be unhappy with that (were unhappy with what had happen in the past) and this will have consiquences for the future. I don't really know what to think or say about this budget battle. I mean almost every counrty has liabilities or spends more money than they actually have. That's not a excuse for just going on with that behavior, but I guess there are good reasons for spending the money. I also understand the conflict, they can not just stop spending money for things which are important. But, they should find a way to save money.
ReplyDeleteGovernment Shutdowns
ReplyDeleteThere have been sixteen government shutdowns since Jimmy Carter's time in office. They have ranged from three days to twenty-one days.
How important is compromise in the political system? I think we must look at the over all effectiveness. When working with people we must not get confused with principles vs. preference.
Principles are what you die for, preference is your likes and dislikes. Never sell your soul for principles learn to compromise on preference.
When the government shut down in 1995 it furloughed 800,000 federal workers. It will shut down National Park sites if it goes into another shutdown. This includes the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C. I tried to find out how the animals are fed and the cages cleaned. I wonder if Congress could get along, long enough to feed tigers and bears, a clean out a few cages since they are the only government workers that are still being paid during a government shutdown.
Reading the Christian Science Monitor account it stated that the House and Senate are more that $60 billion (not million) dollars apart. I could not find the amount for 1995.
It seemed in 1995 the Government Shut down became the "game of Chicken", between Bill Clinton and the Republican party. Much mud slinging and some very immature action on the part of the Republican party. Let's hope we learned a lesson.
As of right now whenever the government shuts down Congress and the President get paid. Sen Barbara Boxer of California and Robert Casey of Pennsylvania are trying to change that by passing legislation that would stop their pay checks. I really like that idea. We need to be responsible with our spending. It needs to start in the White House and with Congress and the Senate. Be responsible with what they can do. I'd like to see them take their lunch to work, like Sam Walton of Wal-Mart.
work cit: www.csmonitor/wikipedia
Eileen,
ReplyDeleteGood essay! I agree that compromise is an important thing. I also agree very much when you wrote: "I mean almost every counrty has liabilities or spends more money than they actually have. That's not a excuse for just going on with that behavior..." I definatly agree that it is no exscuse!! To me, I say the money should stay right were it is until at least some of the debt has been paid! We don't need any more debt problems!
Biggin,
I really like your essay. It's very informative. I agree with what the Senetors of California and Pennsylvania are trying to do. It is not fair at all that the President and Congress get paid for basically doing nothing. I hope that bill gets passed so that our money is not wasted! I agree that the goverment needs to be way more responisble with our spending. We need no more debt!!
It must be the year of the “shut down”. First there is the whole ordeal with the potential lockout in the NFL and now the potential shut down in the government. I think that there can be a lot of parallels drawn between the two situations. In both situations neither side is willing the make compromises and if you don’t make compromises you never get anywhere. Compromises in the government are especially important. They are what keep the country from becoming to liberal or to conservative, yes there is such a thing. Without compromise one group would take control and force nation to far to one side and then another group would take control and force the nation the other way. Compromise also works both ways. I believe that it is ok to compromise on the beliefs of the represented group if the other side is willing to meet you in the middle. It is never a good thing to just completely give up and concede when it comes to your beliefs. As I said before there are a lot of parallels that can be drawn between the government shut down and the NFL lockout. In the NFL the people who are representing the players are not willing to compromise with the league and the league is not willing either. If an agreement is not reached then there will not be an NFL season next year. This is similar to the government because if the house and senate can not reach an agreement then there will be no budget. Personally I don’t know which one people would be more upset about.
ReplyDeleteI personally believe that there needs to be some changes made in the trend of our nations spending. We can not keep spending more money than we have. Yes, this does mean that the government will need to make some cut backs, but it is a necessary thing. One way to cut spending is of course the ever present government programs. This is probably one of the most controversial topics ever. In my opinion government programs are needed. There is, however, a great number of people who abuse the government programs and waste tax payer money. This is an area where I believe the government can cut back its spending. If they crack down on those that abuse the system then they will eliminate some wasted spending. There are also some other very large government run programs that can be cut back like NASA. One area where I do not think should be cut back is the military. I do not think that we should weaken the force that protects and defends our nation
As Christians, we are taught that compromise is not an option. We cannot compromise our beliefs, but when it comes to government, it’s a different story. When dealing with opposing governments, we can’t just stick with what we only want. If every country refused to compromise, nobody would get anywhere. No progress could be made because everyone would just be stubbornly sitting in their own world refusing to change. This could also lead to wars and massive terror. It would be nice if our congressmen and elected government officials could satisfy everyone’s requests, but something has to give. We all have so different beliefs that it would be impossible to satisfy them all. Therefore, we have to be prepared for compromises to take place. The current budget battle is a perfect example of this. America is divided into liberals, conservatives, and those people in between. The opinions of the budget are completely opposite so the two sides are trying to get their ideas and versions to pass. Because of their resistance, we have a stand still. Our situation today is very similar to what happened in 1995. Yes, we would like our side to win. In my opinion, I would like the liberals to be the ones to compromise, but that’s not the way it works. In 1995, Bill Clinton was seen as “the winner,” and that will probably happen in this situation. One side will get the most of their demands and be viewed as the winner. It’s all about how much of what we want can we get.
ReplyDeleteI think compromises in a political system are very important, especially in a democratic system where every person has a vote. Otherwise nothing would work; if everybody wants things done exactly the way he wants them. Also even if we elect our officials because they represent our values and beliefs, at some point I think they also have to make compromises. I don’t think that that would be bad or that they wouldn’t don’t hold their promises anymore. I mean we also elect them because we want them to keep the government working and without making compromises they would fail that duty. When there is really no other way to achieve your goals as an official, I think then it is fine to make compromises where your beliefs might not be fully included. From reading the articles I got a picture from what is going on right now, but I still don’t understand everything what’s going on right now. From my understanding I think both sides should step back a little and meet in the middle. Otherwise it is going to have really bad aftereffects. I don’t think there are big differences between the two situations. Today it is the same issue about what the budget should be; just the circumstances are probably different with the financial crisis and the big debts.
ReplyDeleteWorks cited:
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2011/0223/If-a-government-shutdown-occurs-what-actually-happens
http://www.worldlingo.com/ma/enwiki/en/Federal_government_shutdown_of_1995
Camden, you made a really good point. It is going to have to be ok to compromise as long as you do not give up everything. Both sides have to be cooperative. In today’s government, if only one side compromised, we would no longer be the system we are today. It would be completely dominated by one group forcing one side to have all voice and opinion which is not what America is about. Compromise can be a dangerous thing, but is necessary. Both sides have to be willing or destruction will break out. This is why we have battles and wars between countries and the currents riots in all of the various countries. Both groups refuse to meet in the middle.
ReplyDeleteEileen, you had a good essay. At the end you mentioned that every country spends more than they have, but that it was no excuse. I, also, believe that we should try to find ways to save money, but this is where the disagreement comes. It’s hard to find that middle point In which we can find the best solution for the people.
In a country with so many strong opinions in politics it’s almost necessary to compromise. That’s probably the only way to keep everyone happy. If everyone was stuck on their own opinions not willing to compromise the world would be an even worse place than it currently is. I think that’s it is always necessary to find a middle ground in politics. It will be an astounding day when everyone in politics agrees on something before a compromise is made. It just doesn’t happen. If government officials weren’t willing to find middle ground then it would cause lots of disputes and maybe even violence. I honestly have no opinion on the budget battle. From what I read it seems like if a compromise isn’t made and one side doesn’t give it up then our government could be in jeopardy. One side needs to stop being stubborn and think of the result that this could have on our nation. Both sides need to consider the others opinion more open minded and make a decision from there.
ReplyDeleteWell, obviously, from reading all these arcticles and assignments its a given that compromise in the political system is extremely important. As we've seen before, without compromise there will be government shutdowns. In this situation, government workers lose their jobs and just dont feel the need to show up for work. Our government is made up of so many people so its sad to think that all because groups couldnt agree, so many families will be effected by loss of jobs.
ReplyDeleteWell, if we sent elected officials to Washington to represent our beliefs and values I would say the best time to be open about those beliefs would be asap, to start off with they should be open about their thoughts. No matter how long we wait to approach people about our beliefs, if they dont some what agree or respect it then why should we expect them to meet the other side half way? I believe when people are open about their beliefs and are willing to stand up for them in a mature respectable manner that shows leadership and they should be respected for that.
Shew, I dont know where to begin with our current budget problem. Our country is in so much debt its absolutely ridiculous. If we really wanted to eventually become out of debt things would no doubt have to change. Still, I dont think this generation would live to see the day our country was out of debt no metter how determined we are. Of course determination and perserverance could get us a long way, its got to start somewhere and why wait until our debt gets any worse to try.
As far as if our current budget problem is the same as the battle in 1995, I'd say its pretty much Deja vu.
://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2011/0223/If-a-government-shutdown-occurs-what-actually-happens .
Jerome Geils-Lindemann and Willi Nowak
ReplyDeleteThis week we want to talk about the government and their change with the Budget. In the Christian perspective, we think that there is only one way, no compromise. Christians think that you cannot have the same opinion about government but find a middle between both. In our opinion, a country with so many strong opinions in politics it’s almost necessary to compromise. The people should say what they want so that the majority would win. You can never make everybody happy, some people will always complain. For instance in Massachusetts or California the people really like Barack Obama but he is very unpopular in Kentucky. So they had to make a compromise with the government because of the in 2008. The people who don’t like him have the next opportunity in the next elective in 2012. No progress could be made because everyone would just be stubbornly sitting in their own world refusing to change.
The current budget battle is a perfect example of this. In America there are liberals, conservatives, and those people in between. Both of the two parties are trying to get the budget for their own interests. The situation today is close to 1995. The opinions of the budget are completely opposite so the two sides have to make a compromise.
Jerome Geils-Lindemann and Willi Nowak
ReplyDeleteThis week we want to talk about the government and their change with the Budget. In the Christian perspective, we think that there is only one way, no compromise. Christians think that you cannot have the same opinion about government but find a middle between both. In our opinion, a country with so many strong opinions in politics it’s almost necessary to compromise. The people should say what they want so that the majority would win. You can never make everybody happy, some people will always complain. For instance in Massachusetts or California the people really like Barack Obama but he is very unpopular in Kentucky. So they had to make a compromise with the government because of the in 2008. The people who don’t like him have the next opportunity in the next elective in 2012. No progress could be made because everyone would just be stubbornly sitting in their own world refusing to change.
The current budget battle is a perfect example of this. In America there are liberals, conservatives, and those people in between. Both of the two parties are trying to get the budget for their own interests. The situation today is close to 1995. The opinions of the budget are completely opposite so the two sides have to make a compromise.
I believe compromise is extremely important in our political system. People are always going to disagree. If each side has their own interests and ideas set in stone, nothing will be accomplished. There is too much going on around us to waste our time arguing amongst ourselves. Compromising is a very hard thing to do sometimes, but it must be done. There are some issues and beliefs that we, as Christians, have to stand by. We cannot just step aside and let sin run rampant throughout our country. In that case, conceding is not an option. There are often cases when we have to give up our opinions in order to peaceably resolve an issue, but we have to use good judgment.
ReplyDeleteI think this budget battle needs to be settled. I cannot see how debating for hours on end is going to further our government. If this carries on and we do have to face a government shutdown, I believe it will weaken our country. As humbling as it may be, we need to reach some sort of compromise. This budget battle is affecting us much more than we realize now and I hope it doesn’t lead us into greater debt.
In a political system it is extremely important for compromise. Each party has a completely different belief which makes others angry when the other party wins. When one party is so protective on what they believe it makes everything else seem so wrong. No one wants to hear someone out when they have different opinions, I believe that’s human nature even though it’s not the right thing to do. It is hard to respect authority to someone who believes and wants other things than you. If there was more compromise in our government, I strongly believe we would have a better, more effective government in the United States.
ReplyDeleteI personally don’t think your opinions, your beliefs should be justified to get something you want. I guess if I was an elected official I might believe differently, but as a 17 year old girl, I believe that if I believe in something, I believe it’s right, and I look at it as if it’s either all the way right, or it’s all the way wrong. There is no in the middle.
My opinion about the current budget battle, hmmm…I strongly disagree with continually spending money you don’t have. I know we have to spend some, but we don’t have to spend so much. I know this isn’t much to write here, but I don’t want to be disrespectful, so on to the next question.
The differences between now and 1995, I think people were more in tune with the government in 1995, people cared more, people voted for who they truly believed could run the country not someone who makes history. I think people helped the government to allow it not to get shut down, or to get shut down. People actually spoke up in what they believed in and not just talk about it to their friends, they spoke up to the government, maybe it helped, or maybe it hurt. But, it’s always going to be better to stand up for what’s right.
Compromise in the political system is obviously very important. With out compromise a lot of bad things can happen including the shutdown of the goverment, loss of money, government workers don't get paid, and the American people suffer when they start to shut down everything.
ReplyDeleteCompromise is important to the government officials themselves and the American people.
When I am able to vote and send officials to Washington to represent my beliefs and values I want them to follow throught with thr promises they made to do so. People always want their way in something and if they cant stand up and fight for it themselves then they want somebody in charge that will do it for them. But, when is it appropriate to compromise and give up some of those belief to meet in the middle? Well, it is definitely a good idea to compromise if things are going to start going bad for the people as a whole or as a huge majority. We all have beliefs that we hold on to and believe to be true and we want people that will represent our beliefs. But, nor all of our beliefs and desires are right. And when the goverment wont compromise certain things to meet in the middle on something so important its not going to be good. Of course you wouldn't want to compromise your Christian faith or something but compromising for a good thing id okay. When you don't compromise just because you want your way and want a certain agenda to be pushed through it isn't okay. Compromise is definitely important if something like a government shut down is looming in the future. I want someone to go and represent me and what i want a believe but I am also not always right and my desires are not always best for me or anyone else.
I don't know a whole lot about the current budget battle but from what I do know I think that spending more money we don't have is not a good idea and is certainly not going to get us out of debt. Also I think that people are really going to have to compromise on this one.
Well, there are simillarities and will be a lot more if the government refuses to compromise. There will be a shut down if no compromise is met and that will be a disaster as it was before. And only put us further behind in debt. And of course someone will take most of the blame.
My works cited....
ReplyDeletehttp://www.worldlingo.com/ma/enwiki/en/Federal_government_shutdown_of_1995
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/clinton/etc/11131995.html
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2011/0223/If-a-government-shutdown-occurs-what-actually-happens
I use to talk quite a bit on French politics with my dad. It was pretty interesting and gave me the chance to have my own ideas on subjects. So I kind of like politics even if I didn’t follow it much these last months and I really like the differences between all the different types of government.
ReplyDeleteI was looking for an answer for the first question, and this site came up saying that “If one side of an argument is allowed to pass a law without compromise, it can bring the issue of equality in the United States into question. This undermines the system of government that we have in place in the United States.”
I think is here to ask ourselves “Isn’t there something wrong with our government? Or we not suppose to change in a way?”
It also says: “A disregard of compromise leads to the types of government that we have been taught are not fair. Lack of compromise in government will lead to fascism, Nazism, totalitarianism, and a dictatorship. These are forms of government that the United States have tried to distance itself from.”
I haven’t made up my mind yet on the battle of the budget. There is always something that won’t work in a way or the other. It’s like we are in a hole and there is no way to get out of it except doing a sacrifice on something for others in the future.
Compromising in our political system is extremely important, it balances itself in a way. The republican side wants to cut some of this unnecessary spending so we don't increase our debt even further and the democrats who would rather try to spend money to further government programs will only increasing our debt which after years of this has made our debt tremendous. Eventually one party or both will have to give in a little to find some sort of common ground to avoid this government shutdown which will slow down everyday living in the united states and, given most only last a few days or so, on the other hand the one in 1995 lasted three weeks and had some very negative consequences. Between having 800,000 works furloughed, delaying passports and other government applications, and also the millions of dollars in the tourist business that was lost hurting the business firms. I do believe that if a government shutdown were to take place that i wouldn't last very long as I don't think either side wants a shut down but both sides believe in what their party ideas consist of. So some way of the other the Republicans and democrats will have to make some sort of compromise.
ReplyDeleteHow important is compromise in the political system? Political compromise is extremely important! No matter what the situation is, there needs to be a middle way between the two extremes. Without compromise, the government could fly either way; becoming too liberal or too conservative.
ReplyDeleteWhen is it appropriate for them to concede some of those beliefs in order to meet the other side in the middle?
Firstly, I think this answer can vary with every situation occuring. Secondly, I don't think that one's beliefs should be conceded if the compromise no longer lines up with the Word of God.
I also agree with Michael in that our money should be spent more wisely. Why are Congress and the President being paid if the government shuts down? There are plenty of simple ways we could cut back our spending.
Compromise? Do I think that we need to compromise? Well absolutely! In this world of ours people are always wanting what they thinks is right. Theres is absolutely nothing wrong with this. However there will always be those who want something other than what you want, and if you have to work together you always must compromise. If you do not compromise not a single thing would get done. Look at our past. Has any, one side gotten every single thing that they desire and the other side, get nothing? Absolutely not. If this were to happen we would most definitely have yet another civil war on our hands, and none of us want that. Just like in about every country the united states is separated into liberal conservatives and those who cant make up their minds. Both sides of this bill have completely different opinions on it. So obviously they each are trying to get there way. Because of this we are currently getting no progress. This situation I believe is very similar to that of in 1995. I think we all want our side to win. That goes without saying, and in my opinion I would like for the liberals to compromise for I side with the conservatives.
ReplyDelete@ Alex:
ReplyDeleteGood job on your essay! I think almost everybody here has same opinion that you have to make compromises in politics. So I can't rellay say a lot about your content. I think you wrote the essay very good and pointed out your opinion. It was easy to read and understand. Really good job!
@ Abbie:
I really liked how you answered the question about the budget battle. You didn't want to offend anybody so you just wrote something short logically. Your essay is very good and is very similar to all the essays to this topic. I think it is well written and you pointed out your opinion. Well done!
To answer the first question of this week’s assignment I think that compromises are very important in governmental issues, especially in a situation like this one. It is about the country’s future and a lot of money is involved, and everyone knows that money is very important. Of course there are always different opinions and you can’t always please everyone with the decisions they make.
ReplyDeleteEven if the officials sent to Washington represent different beliefs or values they should work together for the better of the United States, because that is their job.
Since I am not well informed about the current US governmental events I researched the budget battle. On a news website I found a statement of president Obama saying that he thinks most Americans want the two sides to find a compromise.
It also said that the current battle could possibly affect the 2012 presidential elective campaign. In my opinion the US government should be careful about their spending, since they are already in debt. The country is becoming very dependent on others otherwise and could therefore lose a whole lot of power.
To answer the last question if there are differences between the events from 1995 and now, I didn’t see a main difference in particular. The situation could eventually end in a budget crisis, and like in 1995 there may have to made cuts on jobs in the government or non-essential services.
Sources:
http://www.voanews.com/english/news/usa/US-Budget-Battle-Reflects-Sharp-Divide-Over-Governments-Role-116340129.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_federal_government_shutdown_of_1995
Paco,
ReplyDeleteGood job on your essay, and I enjoyed reading it! I agree with you that compromises are very important to make. There will always be people with other opinions than your own, but sometimes they can be good as well. It is important to consider other points of view to build your own opinion on a subject. But I think in this particular matter, it would be better if the liberals would give in and the conservatives would convince them that it is necessary to be careful with governmental spendings.
Elena,
I enjoyed reading your essay. I liked the quotes you found online, and I think they are very true! A democracy is not only based on freedom of speech, but also on equality, and it is unfair if one side doesn’t consider the opposites’ opinion.
Eileen,
I totally agree on what you said: the US government has to find a way to save money. I don’t understand politics that well, but something has to be wrong. If the government obviously spends so much money on what in their eyes is important, why are there still so many people unhappy with what the government does? I think politicians should listen more to American Citizens in order to please them.
Eileen,
ReplyDeleteGood job on your report. I think that how you mentioned what we do now will affect our future. That is so true. Some many people are naïve about these situations and are clueless about consequences but I think it Is very important to let everyone know that decisions we make today very obviously have affects on our future, good or bad. Some decisions can lead to extremely bad consequences and leave us in situations as a country we never expected.
Morgan,
ReplyDeleteVery good job on your report. Like you said, everyone has their wants and desires, but sadly not everyone can get what they want. Someone out there… well, many people will have to compromise. Unless it goes against God’s will or could put us in danger then why would we not compromise? What some people want and believe isn’t always what’s right or what’s best for anyone else and in that case they should definitely accept someone else’s opinion and agree to compromise. I like how you pointed that out. Great Job
1. how important is a compromise in the political system? well in my opinion it is extremely important because if the disagreement remains it will just continue to negatively affect our country. obviously the two sides battling against each other is getting us no where fast.
ReplyDelete2.If we send elected officials to Washington to represent our beliefs and values, when is it appropriate for them to concede some of those beliefs in order to meet the other side in the middle? well this question is kind of a hard one because obviously once you set yourself into your beliefs you don't want them to be changed, challenged, or messed with at all in general. but if the situation were to arise then i suppose it would be appropriate to set them temporarily aside if the situation became critical enough to start a physical "disagreement" and i only say that because me as an individual i stand up for what i believe until i almost have to other option than to let up a bit.
3.What is your opinion of the current budget battle? well when i step back and look at the budget issue i cant help but kinda see where both sides are coming from if i put myself with there point of view, but none the less i do not agree with both...it irritates me that our country can not come to a final conclusion... but goodness what am i thinking! clearly we all just need to agree to disagree because it has proven itself throughout history that we manage to fail at coming together and fixing things every time. i just pray that at some point in the future things get in the least bit more civil.
4.Are there differences between now and 1995? to be quite honest i really don't see many differences between now and then like everything with the governmental status is pretty much the same... in 1995 the shut down lasted way way longer than normal and we still don't know the complete out come of this current shut down but other than that in my opinion there are not any significant differences.
stella,
ReplyDeleteyou did a great job on your essay and i want to point out that i really agree with what you said about the fourth question in my essay as well i had stated that i couldn't really see any differences between the two. and i have to again say it kind of puzzles me how history seems to never fail at repeating itself over and over again rather it is for the better of the worse... there is no denying that it happens just about every time with most things in general.
biggin,
well to start with... wonderful job on your essay! it was so good and i really really enjoyed reading it. you worded it all very well and it was beyond interesting. you put in a huge sum of information that i must admit... i failed to put into my essay so great job there as well. so once again your essay was awesome :)
work cited...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.worldlingo.com/ma/enwiki/en/Federal_government_shutdown_of_1995
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2011/0223/If-a-government-shutdown-occurs-what-actually-happens
The answer of the first question is of course compromise is absolutely important for the political system .It always has a lot of disagreements and if we couldn’t figure out .It would show the in the negative way and it will also bad for the whole country and if the elected officials sent to Washington to represent different beliefs or values they should work together for the better of the United States .I meant they need to has the respect for those officials and that’s why things will work out in the best way for the country and about the current budget battle .Today's new political realities, as evidenced by the historic 2010 election, sharply constrain the budget positions President Obama and Democrats in Congress can take .and I also find in one website that said House Republicans should frame the debate for 2012 by passing budget cutting legislation that would be popular in the current political climate and show what Republicans would do with an even more sweeping victory in 2012. and I really think that the government should do something before this give the worst affections in 2012. and the last questions I really don’t think there is more different between both of them (In 1995 and nนไ)and I think the way to solve it would be different .
ReplyDeleteTo lauren dungan 33, great job on your essay lauren, i really liked it and enjoyed reading it, and also reading all your answers to the questions assigned to us. i agree with you that political compromise is extremely important, and that there needs to always be a pointy were the two sides always meet and agree some where at some point, or nothing would really get done. and i also agree with you that ones beliefs should never be conceded, if it goes against the word of god than it should never be conceded. but that is just my personal opinion about it. and i also agree with you on the last point that we should spend our money more wisely. but great job on your essay lauren dungan 33, i reaklly liked it.
ReplyDeleteto abbuie, great job on your essay, i really liked and enjoyed reading it abbie.
Elena ,
ReplyDeleteGood job on you essay ! I really enjoyed reading it .I liked how you chose some quotes about political system ,they all really interesting .And I also agreed with you about the budget battle that we need the find the ways to solve problems before they have bad affections in the future .Great job Elena !!
Alexandria Grace ,
You wrote a really good essay ,I enjoyed reading it a lot .They gave a lot of great informations and i also a greed wit how in the part that you said about the budget battle and in 1995 that its got to start somewhere and we need to find the out and shouldn’t wait until its getting worse to try .And like you said it would be like dejavu .
simon, good job! I agree, compromnises are very important, especially in the politics, because our politics kind of representate the counry and if they have trouble with finding a good way to work together, that is probably not what we and other countries want to see!
ReplyDeleteAlexandria Grace, good job on your homework this week. I really enyojed reading your article. And I agree with what you said, it is sad that so many people have to "suffer" under the disagreements in the politics. And yes, I do also believe that our generation will not see the county debt free. But just becasue we know that already, we should not just go on with spending money, we still should try to make it possible in the future. No matter how long it takes it will still be something great to know that the cuntry is debt free!!!
Camden, your essay was awesome. I agreed with everything, really. I think the government programs are very important, but it should be counted as a blessing and not something you take advantage of. So many people abuse the system and refuse to work because they know they can just get by on government money. I think that is ridiculous and it needs to stop. The problem is, it would be very hard to pick out the people who are abusing the system and deal with it. Finding these people might also require spending more money.
ReplyDeleteEmily C., your essay was very good. Without compromise, it very well could lead to violence at that would make our financial problems even worse! People have such a competitive nature and even when we compromise, we always label “winner” and “loser.” Whether the conservative side or the liberals win, God knows what he’s doing. Perhaps all we can do is trust him with all this.
Elena, thank you for sharing your ideas on government. "A disregard of compromise leads to the types of government that we have been taught are not fair." I've never thought of that quite like that. That is a side of the coin I have never seen before. If we look to history we can see the danger when people won't learn to compromise. You are right, when we look at fascism and Nazism you see a history of non compromising governments.
ReplyDeleteAlexander Grace, thank you for sharing your view point on compromise and government. It is sad to think because people couldn't agree how many families wold be effected by loss of jobs.
I think people respect character. I agree with you, I think if a person stands up for what they believe in a respectable manner that shows leadership they should be respected for that. I do believe that we need to make drastic steps on drawing a line and making a change with the
national debt.
Dear Simon Heinzel, good job! I agree, compromnises are very important, especially in the politics, because our politics kind of representate the counry and if they have trouble with finding a good way to work together, that is probably not what we and other countries want to see!
ReplyDeleteDear Alex Bartley, good job on your homework this week. I really enyojed reading your article. And I agree with what you said, it is sad that so many people have to "suffer" under the disagreements in the politics. And yes, I do also believe that our generation will not see the county debt free. But just becasue we know that already, we should not just go on with spending money, we still should try to make it possible in the future. No matter how long it takes it will still be something great to know that the cuntry is debt free!
Stella: You did a great job on this weeks homework. I liked what you put in your essay about president Obama saying a compromise needs to be made. It’s good to know that even he sees that something needs to happen. I also agreed with this statement you put in your essay: “In my opinion the US government should be careful about their spending, since they are already in debt.” That is so true. We are already in so much debt why add on another burden. Anyways, Good job!
ReplyDeleteAbbie: I really loved what you said about in some cases its necessary as Christians to stand b y our beliefs and not compromise. That is such a true statement. We can’t give up on our own beliefs just because someone else thinks something else and we can’t give in even if they are agreeing to a compromise. Nice point.
How important is compromise in the political system? Compromise is defined in the Wikipedia dictionary as "to make a deal where one person gives up part of his or her demand." Compromise is important in many situations including politics. For as long as the Republicans and Democrats have existed they have not seen eye to eye on many things. It has been necessary for them to compromise so that the government could continue to operate.
ReplyDeleteIf we send elected officials to Washington to represent our beliefs and values, when is it appropriate for them to concede some of those beliefs in order to meet the other side in the middle? I do not believe that a representative should ever concede in their beliefs that would cause them to go against God. Politicians have all kinds of ideas of how they want to run government. They make promises when they are running for the position and they probably know that they won't be able to keep all of their promises. I think that is understandable. But if they are going to promise that they are going to fight abortion or same sex marriage and things like that then I believe they need to keep those promises. Even if they cannot get something passed in Congress they should fight for them.
What is your opinion of the current budget battle? Are there differences between now and 1995? This battle they are having seems similar to others. The Republicans say there is too much spending and we need to cut the spending and cut taxes. The Democrats want the spending and increase taxes. If the shutdown occurs pretty much what happened in 1995 will happen again now - closing of museums and parks, laying off government employees, a delay in getting a passport, etc. Somehow they need to come to a compromise on all of this.
I believe compromise is EXTREMELY important to our political system. Generally, there are two sides to an argument and without a compromise there can only be two outcomes: the argument continues and nothing gets done, or a decision is made and one side is happy as a lark and the other is awfully angry. With compromise no one gets entirely what they want but they’re not left out in the cold, either.
ReplyDeleteIn some cases, I believe it is acceptable for officials to concede certain beliefs for the sake of compromise. If nothing is getting down then someone’s got to give in and make some sacrifices. Everyone has their opinion on what should be done in our country and for some things there is no completely right or wrong answer- there’s just what someone thinks is best. I think those are the situations where compromise is most tolerable.
When it comes to our government’s budget there are plenty of opinions out there: spend less, spend more, tax less, tax more, etc. While I still have some time before I’ll be paying taxes, it’s still something I think about. Of course we’ve all heard how our children’s children will be paying off this debt if we don’t do something, and while that doesn’t seem fair to us OR to future generations, I can’t help but wonder: it’s just money, right? Sure it can be a HUGE problem for people who are less fortunate than us and I completely support anything that could help them. But how much is MONEY going to matter in the end? I don’t plan on lugging money bags up with me to heaven. I’m not suggesting we don’t put any checks on our government spending and it run amuck at all. I just think the ugliness that takes place in these arguments-whether it’s politicians in Congress, or just two people debating- is unnecessary.
Eileen, you made a very good point. Delaying making decisions on issues can end up hurting the government. Good job on your essay.
ReplyDeleteEmma, you made a good point as well. Without compromise we would accomplish absolutely nothing. We are all free to have our opinion, that’s what makes America great, but it can cause a bit of trouble at times too.
Eileen,
ReplyDeleteGreat essay, I agree with what you said about what we do now will affect are future. People don't really understand the decisions we make now will affect our future and our children. Great Essay!
Camden,
I liked your essay, and I agree with what you said that compromise is good as long as one side doesn't give up everything. Good Essay!
A governmental shutdown has never occurred to me; even unto what may happened with that shutdown. During the 1995 shutdown of the United States federal government, many Americans who had governmental based jobs could not work for little over two weeks during the time span of December 16, 1995 to January 6, 1996. This shutdown was all due to Bill Clinton and Newt Gingrich, because they could not agree about a budget bill. Which is completely understandable, each man had his own beliefs about the bill. Compromise is a very important thing in the governmental system, and if either one of these men had of compromised we would have been somewhere else in our economy today. Sometimes the governmental leaders have to compromise with other leaders. But it is still VERY important what and when you compromise. I think that it is appropriate for an individual to be able to concede some of their beliefs to meet the other person’s in the middle, when your able to see clearly that it CAN be met in the middle, but only then. My opinion is very vague, even unto myself, about the current Budget Battle. I don’t know very much about what’s going on, and I probably wouldn’t agree that much either. But anyway, my opinion about it is that if I was trying to get my bill passed than it would be a good thing for me if the government had shut down. But since im a working class citizen who still goes to school full time, if something happened to wear I wasn’t getting paid or my teachers weren’t. And the police wouldn’t be working and if they were they weren’t getting paid. Things in Somerset would be quite different. I wouldn’t want a governmental shut down. Because then things around here will shut down and who knows if anybody would be responsible to make sure things would go smoothly around here. The way that it is different now, is that back in 1995 people played the shut downs like “Chicken.” And now we want things to be done correctly as if we are now grown up, responsible adults.
ReplyDeleteGuffey I completely LOVEDDDD your essay, I was sitting there like “Uhggg! I want to go to sleep instead of reading these essays!” But then I started getting into it. I think your opinion is amazing, even though I don’t have as much of one. You seem to really know what you’re talking about. The part where you said,” I just think the ugliness that takes place in these arguments-whether it’s politicians in Congress, or just two people debating- is unnecessary.” You’re completely right. It is unnecessary. We think money is everything when it’s not, it really is not. And just this ugliness that’s ruited to the core of this is horrendous. I give you kudos, Guffey, for seeing and pointing this ugliness out.
ReplyDeleteAnd Nang Nang(:
Your essay was good to! It was very well written and I always love to see what the exchange students like to say about our government. It was very good to read and see what your heart is about this.
How important is compromise in the political system? i think compromise is extremely important in the political system, especially if any positive things are going to occur, there needs to be compromise. most government shutdowns do not last too long, but they affect all the government workers. when bill clinton couldnt agree with gingrich, because they could not agree, 9 million government workers were out of a job for three days, they could not use their visa's, passports, and other government aplications. So when they cant agree on something, and the government shuts down, it affects all the people that work for the government as well, and makes it hard on them and their familys to provide and keep going.
ReplyDeleteIf we send elected officials to Washington to represent our beliefs and values, when is it appropriate for them to concede some of those beliefs in order to meet the other side in the middle? I personally dont think it is every right or apporopraite for anyone to ever concede their beliefs and values, i think that if it goes against the Word of God, then it isnt right in the first place, and that you should not ever concede your beliefs and values .
i dont think there much of a difference from then to now. I think there are many ways to budget, but they just cant agree on any.
For the essay this week were dealing with political issues.The first question in, How importanat is compromise in the political system? I first of all think that compromise in the political system is very very important. If you cant communicate and compromise you could ruin your chances at succsess and possibly any one else one may be involved. Compromise could help you out and in the end put you in a better posistion than you were in the beginning. The second question is, If we send elected officials to Washington to represent our beliefs and values, when is it appropriate for them to concede some of those beliefs in order to meet the other side in the middle? If we were to do so i think it would be important at first to stand strong and no budge but if it were to come down to the only way we could have succsess then we should definaltly concede some of the beliefs. But never fleeing to far from what you really need so its only a compromise not a loss. The third is, What is your opinion in the current budget battle? I personally think that its crazy its very very not needed we could have prevented it from from our own stupidity and the "help" of others we have gone into a spiraling dept. If we would change our ways were could easliy be back on top within the next few generation. The fourth is are there differences in now and 1995. I think yes we were a bit smarter then and really need help now!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth i enjoyed reading your essay. You are very well opinionated, I really like the way you put things and speak your mind. I really really liked your budget paragraph i agree with that one the most theres no way any one is going to compromise because they all want to have the credit of being the one on top. I definatly like that one the best as well as your other paragraphs. But that one is my favorite. All in all you were very well spoken. Good job!
ReplyDeleteCharity i really liked your essay also! Like me iv never given these questions much thought till now. But reading them and answering them really got me thinking. I think were around the same opinion on many of the things asked. Your essay was written very well and i loved it! All in all your essay was very nice to ready and i agreed very much. Good job!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Megan! Your essay was awesome Charity. How did you get access to so much research? Do you use document translation for your Spanish sources?
ReplyDelete