FARC You: Ecuador Innocent of Terrorist Activities

By Courtney Halgren

The Peanut Gallery

on Armed Services:

The Republican non-intervention stance in US relations with Ecuador has proven sensible with the late-breaking report that negates any claims of Ecuadorian support of the FARC terrorist group.

West Wing correspondents began their joint press conference with the RNC earlier today with the assertion that “what you do in your country is our business.” With the West Wing refusing to admit to a “war” but guaranteeing intervention, the RNC focused on establishing the lack of responsibility the US government has in interfering in an issue dealing with a private corporation.

However, the liberal interventionist policy backfired with new knowledge of President Rafael Correa’s plans to reinforce border control and attack FARC forces upon any encounter. Furthermore, the RNC never intended to “meddle with the private company dispute” over the nationalization of lithium deposits, and this intention has been proven valid with the current renunciation of Ecuadorian fault in the issue.

Ecuador’s lack of connection with the FARC and innocence in lithium nationalization places immense doubt on the West Wing’s military intentions.

Cash Flow From Tobacco

By Aislinn McLaughlin
The Blue Print
on Appropriations:

Today, the House passed The Research for the Future Act, a bill that repeals the Dicky-Wicker Amendment, and provides for the creation of a special committee to review the line of embryonic stem cells. The Appropriations Committee is responsible not only for deciding the amount of funds to appropriate, but the actual source of the funds.

So far the committee has suggested that funding come from an increase in taxes on potentially harmful substances, for example, tobacco. This would both discourage citizens from purchasing products that could be harmful to their health, and provide the committee with a surplus of funds to finance the laws it needs to implement.

Playground Politics

By Tara Coyle
The Peanut Gallery
on Homeland Security:

International relations regarding Ecuador are on shaky grounds, but they are small compared to the issues in our own political system. With military action looming overhead, we need a united front against international crime. Unfortunately, the situation is far from civil. The White House and the Republican National Committee can barely remain in the same room with one another let alone form some type of agreement. It appears that the issues at stake are being taken personally instead of professionally. You could have cut the tension with a knife!

In a joint press conference of the West Wing, the RNC and the White House seemed to be on completely different ends of the political spectrum. The RNC claimed that the West Wing did not have accurate sources, and that the information they received from the West Wing differed from what they heard from President Obama.

War Breaks Out In The West Wing

By Scott Neuberger & Diana Gold
The Blue Print
on The West Wing:

The Republican National Committee (RNC) and the White House butted heads in today’s press conference revolving around the recent Ecuadorian terrorist outbreak.

The RNC has substantial evidence supporting the claim that the Ecuadorian government is directly assisting the FARC forces in the region. The White House rebutted strongly, claiming that the evidence in question is irrelevant and false, enforcing their argument by stressing the importance of providing aid in Ecuador. 

Tension Rises As Crop Production Falls

By Allison Cott
The Peanut Gallery
on Agriculture:

With the eruption of Mount Sinabung, the agricultural developments and production rates throughout the entire world have decreased. Just because the United States is half way around the world from where the eruption toke place doesn’t mean it is okay to neglect the fact that we are suffering with crop production decline too. The West Wing has many different ideas and opinions on how to deal with this pressured situation.

Both parties agree that this issue is on the top of their priority list. They also both think that we should send aid to Sumatra, but we should mostly focus on the United States crop production because we need to feed our citizens.

FARC Attacks Cause Ecuadoreans To Suffer

By Liz Sookin
The Blue Print
on Armed Services:

Violent, brutal, vicious; these three words are appropriate to describe the Colombian terrorist group, FARC. Recently FARC has been wreaking havoc on the innocent Latin American nation of Ecuador.

The White House has stated its intention to only use “military engagement” as a last and unfavorable resort, an objective that will prove beneficial as is evident by recent developments. 

Lobbyists Scream For Ice Cream

By Brandon Winters & Korinne Karnmann

The Blue Print

on The CATO Institute:
Everyday hard working Americans work one or two jobs to feed their families and try to live a comfortable life style. At the end of each day people end up paying their taxes and we wonder, “Where does it all go?” In a recent interview, Clarke Peterson reveled the advantages that CATO takes at the tax payer’s expense.

“CATO is known to be in favor of no taxes and smaller governments. Clarke Peterson (Libertarian) stated, “although CATO is in favor of no taxes, they take advantage of Ben and Jerry’s in a suite on the top floor of the Boston Sheraton.” In the words of Laura Hardwicke of the West Wing, Americans have been “Bamboozled.” 

Secrets, Secrets Are No Fun When Not Shared With Everyone

By Chris Moses
The Blue Print
on Homeland Security:

After a recent press conference with the West Wing a few questions were asked about how the conflict with Ecuador will affect programs in Homeland Security.

First, how will the conflict affect allocating funds for reforming FEMA, New Orleans reconstruction, and preventing organized crime? The White House said that the conflict with Ecuador will not affect domestic spending because American citizens are the US’ top priority. 

Jailhouse Barack

By Sadiya Bruce & Bonnie Stoller
The Peanut Gallery


Many government officials may find themselves between a rock and a hard place- or behind bars. According to an off-the-record source, a Saudi Arabian citizen is suing 11 government agents, including CIA director Leon Panetta and President Obama, for unlawful rendition and torture in Afghanistan.

The plaintiff claims he was held in prison for two years and coerced into a confession leading to a conviction of terrorism. In response, the US government will likely invoke the State Secret Privilege, a measure that would effectively kill the case by citing the release of evidence as an issue of national security.

SCANDAL!!!

Government Officials: The Delegates Who Cry Wolf
By Monica DeStafano

In a recent press conference HMC Media was accused of “fabricating” stories and issues. This is quite an interesting accusation to make especially since the CIA Director of Operations released a message informing the Office of the President that as of now CIA, FBI, and NSA resources have proved all suspicion.

President Rafael Correa has never supported the FARC terrorist organization. Internal memos of Correa's office point to his intentions to police his borders and fight the FARC upon any encounter. Moreover the Ecuadorian nationalization of the lithium industry was indeed legal. McMoRan's contract for mining in Equador had expired by the time lithium was discovered.

It appears Ecuador is clean in this entanglement!

This is definitely cause for concern to Americans, if the information we’re given as fact is not legitimate, how can we trust anything we’re told? On that note if the government is really as gullible as they look right now how will we know when a real threat is howling in our backyard?

Happy Birthday Will Rush!

Today one of our delegates in HMC Media has turned 18! Be sure to congratulate him if you see him.

The Mezo–European Conflict

                                                   

Crop Failure! Starvation! Secrets! Oh My!

By Krysten Rosamilia
The Blue Print
on The National Security Council:

The outcome of the Sumatra volcanic eruption in February has had a colossal effect on everyone. Temperatures across the world have hit an all time low, in late June there has been snowfall in New England and China and there is a record high of starvation around the world. Aside from that, the government is being crucified for its response, or lack thereof, to this crisis.

For farmers this is a complete economic catastrophe! Some regions, such as the Northeast and Midwest, have had their crops completely wiped out. As result of the downfall of crops, prices have risen putting many Americans below the poverty line.

Nearly 1/3 of the US population is suffering from malnutrition and more than 15,000 people have died of starvation. In Pakistan alone more than one million people have died. Speaking on behalf of President Asif Ali Zardari the ambassador of Pakistan said he is well aware of the issue and believes that they are distributing food as efficient as possible.

The National Security Conference discussed the best way to deal with this catastrophe. After meeting with the ambassador of Pakistan they would not discuss what further plans were to be done.

A possible solution from the NSC is to give the Pakistani people one billion dollars for food yet nothing has been decided as of now. Unfortunately, upon trying to obtain more information delegates refused to answer questions and HMC Media was forcibly removed from their most recent session.

The problem is ever present but the solution still remains a mystery.

Pigs Will Fly! A Brighter Future For Foreign Aid

By Maryann Slater

The Peanut Gallery

on Foreign Affairs:
A so-called “American” bill is under debate in the Foreign Affairs committee. The bill, if passed, will have the federal government provide a “dollar to dollar” match of funds donated by private charities of up to three hundred million dollars. A subcommittee would be set up to investigate the places where this foreign aid is being allocated.

There is no cap on the amount of money that can be donated by the charities; the $300 million cap only applies to the amount that the federal government will match. This bill would allow a more diverse group to be involved in the effort of allocating funds, instead of placing this power solely in the hands of a few executives in Washington. 

$16 Billion Is The Golden Ticket!

By Sadiya Bruce
The Peanut Gallery
on Commerce, Science & Transport:

Let’s fast forward to today, right now in committee session III. The delegates of the Senate’s Commerce, Science and Technology committee return to the battlefield for another session of controversy and heated arguments.

With $16 billion from President Obama’s 2009 Stimulus Bill at hand, this money is the golden ticket to a new age of American science. However, delegates are struggling with where to focus the funding or whether to distribute the money on one specific division of science at all.

A Democratic Senator from Arkansas wants to focus the funding on agriculture techniques and green technology, two very important areas with the recent crisis of Mt. Sinaburg’s volcano eruption. Yet, Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) reminded all in the room that science is “more about the people and how to make it better for the people.”

President Shows His Selfish Side

By William Rush
The Peanut Gallery
on The West Wing:

The West Wing’s Republican National Committee (RNC) talked to president Barack Obama about future military actions that he is planning on taking in South America because of a lust for lithium which hybrid car battery’s need. He plans on using military force and make himself look better by holding true to his promise of having majority hybrid cars.

They strongly disagree with president Barack Obama and his plan of using military action. Their committee believes that the commander and chief is both over using his powers and he has an unethical motive behind attacking Ecuador.

Going Going Green

By Yasmine Robinson
The Peanut Gallery
on Environmental & Public Works:

The Conservatives of the Committee of Environmental and Public Works were focusing on passing a bill to continue offshore drilling and dabble with nuclear energy. The harmony between the liberals and the conservatives stopped at off shore drilling. The conservatives are more focused on getting America’s economy back in good shape, while the liberals are concerned with saving the environment with expensive energy efficient items.

Representatives from Cato are concerned that the liberals are focusing on spending America’s money on more “green” items such as energy efficient cars, technology, and cleaning products.These green items Cato states are “not a good use of funds. We must take funds and put them in the smaller businesses of America so that we can boost America’s economy in more pertinent ways.” 

Too Many Fields, Too Little Time

By Korinne Kornmann
The Blue Print
on Commerce, Science & Transport:

Time is of the essence. There is sixteen billion dollars appropriated to scientific research. The CST’s main focus is the allocation of funds within the different fields of science.

The Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee has been hard at work. Yesterday night the “Rethinking Waste Disposal Act of 2010” was passed. The main point of the bill was to set a limit on the amount of dangerous chemicals and byproducts that are consequences of poor waste disposal. The bill included a fine for those who do not comply with the new policies. 

Debates Blare As Temperatures Flare

By Brandon Winters

The Blue Print

on Energy & Natural Resources:

With most of the blame being placed on China, the top offender on the fight against pollution, the Committee of Energy and Natural Resources discussed the issues of global warming and how to deal with carbon emissions.

Relying on coal as its chief energy source, China remained the topic of discussion. The main proposition on solving the problem was the possibility of a tariff. This tariff would affect all goods producing an exceeding certain amount of carbon emissions in foreign nations. Another tariff on Chinese tires, proposed by President Obama, came into question.

Does CATO Encourage American Death

By Connor Oglesby

The Blue Print

on CATO Institute:
In a statement earlier today, the CATO institute showed their narrow mindedness towards industry with blissful ignorance in a plea to cease all bills pertaining to emissions and climate problems: "The assumed environmental issues cited from the Sumatra volcano aren't an issue, the government shouldn't care."

The conservative minded institute showed woes pertaining to the restraint of industry, higher unemployment and higher taxes if Congress passes legislation to suppress US emissions to counteract the influx of 130 cubed kilometers of ash from the recent eruption, and urged the government to back out.

NSC Supports Corruption In Pakistan

By Isabel Henderson

The Peanut Gallery

on National Security Council:
On Friday, the National Security Council discussed government aid to Pakistan following the chaotic political situation in this Middle Eastern nation. Concerns regarding corruption in the Pakistani government did nothing to deter NSC members from awarding aid to the country.

The troublesome situation in Pakistan has escalated to catastrophic levels following the disaster in Jakarta, according to a press release distributed by the CIA Director of Analysis. Failing crops and food shortages have not only inflicted more than a million casualties, but also have lead to rioting.

We Should Know!

                                                                  
HMC Media at National Securities Council

Riding The Red Wave Against Socialism

By Ebose Okoruwa
The Peanut Gallery
on Energy & Natural Resources:

The Republicans are not going to fizzle out in these coming years of politics. Anyone at the Committee of Energy and Natural Resources could easily tell that the Republican Party is pushing forward most of their ideas about what America’s policies should be. While the Democrats silently sit back and fire off a question or two before they drift off into the magical land of bipartisan acceptance.

The senators in the Committee of Energy and Natural Resources have currently been speaking about Carbon Emissions and have not touched on the subject of America’s Energy Infrastructure.

The Bill Of The Richter Scale

By Tara Coyle
The Peanut Gallery
on Homeland Security:

Tensions are flying in the congressional Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding the problems involved within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Democrats and Republicans alike are striving for a political agreement that can lead to a more effective system. Popularly cited thoughts in the debate include keeping FEMA under the wing of the DHS or changing its size; though, the idea proposed by Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA), brings something new to the table.

Frank strives for action, and is proposing the idea of a rating system within FEMA, and under the federal government control of the DHS. A one to five scale would rate natural disasters measuring how much aid and resources need to be given and used.

Petty Squabbles Hold Up Millions Of Dollars In Aid

By Scott Neuberger
The Blue Print
on Foreign Affairs:

The House Foreign Affairs struggles to agree on sub committee to prioritize countries in need of aid. Political lines don’t divide the disagreement, but instead individual beliefs on petty details are causing internal debates.

As of now the committee agrees on a “dollar for dollar” bill that will allow private businesses and individuals to donate money to a government-run fund. The US government will then match the donation up 300 million dollars and distribute it to countries they believe appropriate. 

US “Failed” With Their Response To Katrina: Works To Find A Solution

By Chris Moses
The Blue Print
on Homeland Security:

Homeland Security believes the Federal Emergency Management Agency should not become an independent institution, but needs to make FEMA a more productive and adept program. Lobbyist from the Heritage Foundation, Joe Albanese, believes Hurricane Katrina was so destructive because the local government and FEMA were irresponsible with their responses.

Albanese says New Orleans should have initially relied on the local government to respond better for help and then contacted FEMA. For example, the local government reportedly did not call for an evacuation until last minute, even though they knew the impending storm would be catastrophic. As a result, FEMA came in late and did not effectively help New Orleans.

Fast Acting Relief

By Aislinn McLaughlin
The Blue Print
on Appropriations:

Although the Senate Appropriations Committee addresses bills that have already been passed, their work is far from obsolete. While the committee can’t change the bills once they are written and voted on, the way in which they distribute funds demonstrates their approval or lack thereof.

Our economy, already in dire straits, is now struggling with the added pressure of crop failures brought about by the eruption of Mount Sinaburg. Under this additional strain, the committee finds itself hard-pressed to appropriate money with a good conscience.

Dr. Greed & Mr. Compassion

By Courtney Halgren
The Peanut Gallery
on Armed Services:

The prospect of privatizing military healthcare has embroiled liberals and conservatives in the Armed Services committee in a philosophical debate over human motives. While both parties agree on the need to revise the current system, uncertainty about doctors’ wages and their effects on patient care pits ideological Democrats against reality-conscious Republicans.

Conservatives grilled liberal speakers on the issue, pressing Representative John Barrow (D-GA) to elaborate on how quality of care would change with a public healthcare system. Barrow replied defensively, asserting that human compassion should determine patient care as opposed to salary. 

LIberals Propose Their "Most Disgustingly Democratic Bill"

By Bonnie Stoller
The Peanut Gallery
on Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs:

Boos were heard around the room today as Democrats and Republicans threw down the gauntlet regarding a new public healthcare bill. Outspoken Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-CA) crying, “Let’s just write the most disgustingly democratic bill we can,” proved her party’s unwillingness to compromise during an unmoderated partisan caucus. The proposed bill, a brainchild of the Democrats, includes stipulations that would expand public care and include H1N1 and pneumonia vaccines as part of the general program.

Republicans were concerned that taxing care packages would not provide sufficient funds to fuel the healthcare expansion, a point that Democrats refused to consider. “Research isn’t going to help people,” Feinstein declared.

Cato Institute Has Bigger Fish To Fry

By Terry Gelsi
The Peanut Gallery
on Cato Institute:

While many countries are focusing on the crisis in Indonesia, the Cato Institute is concentrating on other issues. In an interview today, representatives from Cato stated that though the volcano is a pressing issue for Indonesia and those providing aid, they believe that their goal is in placing more emphasis on other issues that will increase job creation and reduce government involvement in climate control.

In the eyes of Cato and many other conservative groups, the United States should cease the writing and passing of bills regarding issues of climate, such as reducing CO2 emissions and should instead spend their efforts focusing on placing more power in American citizens. 

To Subsidize Or Not To Subsidize? That Is The Question.

By Monica DeStefano
The Blue Print
on Agriculture:

The Senate Agriculture Committee is under the gun to produce legislation on the subsidies issue in America. Previous to the volcano eruption the subsidies issue was pertinent but not pressing, now without a proactive bill, global starvation is at stake.

Prices are getting higher and higher, that’s a fact, and just to give an idea as to how far up they’ve gone the Secretary of Commerce released figures estimating that nationally prices have increased 15-20% since the volcano eruption in Indonesia three months ago. 

Not So D.O.A.

By Cammi Cuartero–Crawford

The Blue Print

on Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs:

As a response to the Indonesian volcano the Senate Housing, Banking, and Urban committee has begun preparation for reform in the nation’s public health clinics.

Senator John Tester (D-MT) proposed reform for a strict bill indicating how the funds should be distributed. He expects the expansion of health clinics to lead to more available jobs, and essentially remove our country from the critical affair of fiscal freeze.

Taxation for high quality health packages would fund expansion. 

Gambling Our Health Away

By Diana Gold
The Blue Print
on West Wing:

The determination of a system for health care in the United States is slowly approaching its end. Both the RNC and the White House have been planning ways to organize the system to facilitate Americans in obtaining the least expensive and the best quality health care possible.

The Republican National Committee is skeptical of a universal system, which would allow citizens of the US to have the best access they can. They said that “health care is a gamble” and want the state governments to have absolute power in the allocation of money and resources. This would lead to unequal coverage across state lines, which may cause tension between state governments.

PRESS BRIEFING

WEST WING:

Today the West Wing staff fine-tuned our party platform and focused on the three most pressing issues facing our nation: the economy, healthcare, and our foreign policy, particularly relating to national security. The Democratic Party is united behind this party platform, as we have seen in their enthusiastic engagement in the party caucuses.

Though our economy is improving, our country is still facing a rough economic climate. The President feels that the best way to aid the economy is to reduce the national debt while still providing essential services to the American people, through such initiatives as green jobs. The resident finds it strongly necessary for the United States to become a world leader in green initiatives. The White House commends the senate for the passage of the Remittance Payment Act, which will responsibly allocate federal funds to ensure maximum benefit to the taxpayers.

The Administration has exercised a great deal of effort to reform our healthcare system, and the President fully believes that now is the time to act and aid millions in their inalienable right to healthcare. The Administration would like to stress that the passage of this healthcare legislation will be a major part in boosting the economy in the long term.

While domestic issues are of top significance right now, The President stresses that promoting foreign relations is as important as ever. It is crucial that we build our relationships with other nations through diplomacy and foreign aid in times of disaster.

The President hopes to work with congress in a bipartisan effort to combat America's problems in this upcoming legislative season.

Plans For Relief

By Terry Gelsi
on Lobbyists:

In the face of natural disaster, the world rallies around Sumatra and begins efforts to provide relief. The eruption of Mount Sinabung has caused an outpouring of plans to aid Indonesia. The Republican Party, typically more reluctant to provide aid to countries after a natural disaster, is likely to take part in bipartisan efforts to assist Sumatra. Lobbying interests will certainly play a part in the activity of both American and foreign aid to Indonesia.

Representatives from the American Red Cross said today that they are drawing up plans for relief efforts, mostly obtaining their funds through donations, as well as through the assistance of other philanthropic societies.

In an interview today, members of the organization stated that their goals for restoring Sumatra include importing food and providing the country with naval support. The Red Cross is motivated partly by the strength of Indonesia’s textile industry, as aiding the nation could lead to favorable trading relationships in the future.

Crisis In Indonesia

By Diana Gold
The Blue Print
on The West Wing:

                                                                            

Mount Sinabung on the Indonesian island of Sumatra violently erupted on February 25th, most severely affecting the two close-by cities of Medan and Pematangsiantar, and their surrounding areas. Sulfur dioxide gas now covers the region, which is currently suffering from minor earthquakes caused by the eruption.

The volcano is situated near the center of the highly populated Indonesian island, and its effects reach the coasts. Multiple tsunamis are occurring and are predicted to continue with an estimated immediate death toll of 200,000 people.

Fatal Volcanic Tragedy Hits Sumatra: Motivates Non-Profits

 By Connor Oglesby
on The Red Cross:

                                                                 

Tragedy struck the Indonesian island of Sumatra late Thursday, as a violent volcanic eruption more powerful than that of Mt. St. Helens resulted in 40,000 immediate casualties. The destruction has sparked the interest in many lobbyist groups including the Red Cross and Amnesty International, both of which have already eagerly pledged humanitarian aid to the developing country.

When interviewed, the Red Cross predicted immediate casualties as high as 300,000 due to strong aftershocks and tsunamis. Accordingly, in the two groups' joint effort they have agreed to provide food, water purification tablets and a large influx of doctors to be readily available on site on Sumatra via the support of US Naval ships. Additionally,

Too Hot To Handle, Too Cold To Hold

By Brandon Winters
The Blue Print
on Energy & Natural Resources:

In a world with polar bears dying, glaciers melting, the ozone depleting, temperature rising, and inconvenient truths, people all around the world can’t help but ignore the issue of Global Warming. The Committee of Energy and Natural Resource will be greatly concerned with the topic of how to deal with carbon dioxide emissions.

Some may argue that because the geographical location the US, the government should not take expensive steps in solving the problem, and that there is no cause for concern as well as increase agricultural production.

The idea of Cap and Auction may also play a key role in the issue of global warming. This means that the possibility of providing allowances to pollute, thus creating a carbon market, similar to that of the European Union’s, will be thrown around during the conference. But

Disaster: Concerns Of Fossil Fuel Production

By Yasmine Robinson

The Peanut Gallery

on Environmental & Public Works:

The recent eruption of Mount Sinabung on the Indonesian island of Sumatra is detrimental to the environment of that region as well as the environment of the United States and the rest of the world. Even though the eruption had an effect on the environment, the United States is dealing with the dwindling supply of fossil fuels.

Conservatives will take into account the fact that the US needs these fossil fuels and that we cannot be caught up in saving the environment by stopping the productions of these necessary fuels that keep our nation running. The liberals on the other hand will mainly be concerned that the mixture of particles coming from the volcano and the particles coming from the combustion of fossil fuels will hurt our country’s environment even more thus pushing the liberals toward the halt of creating fossil fuels.

Even though a world without fossil fuels is conceivable, we need an energy system with clean, efficient, and renewable energy sources to have an energy secure future; and being preoccupied with the effects the volcano could have will not help deal with the pressing issue of American’s energy resources.

NSC's Biggest Issue: Nuclear Proliferation

By Krysten Rosamilia

The Blue Print

on National Security Council:

The presence of nuclear weapons in potentially threatening countries is a heated topic being discussed in the National Security Conference. The main concern for Americans is that the countries known for their terrorist groups will get a hold of nuclear weapons, countries such as Israel/Palestine, Iran, and India.

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty created in 1968 allowed Russia, China, US, UK and France to maintain procession of nuclear weapons. NPT prevents any other state from seeking nuclear weapons. The treaty encourages states to remain non-nuclear for peaceful purpose aside from obtaining nuclear technology. The NPT then came up with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to ensure that states abide by the treaty and thorough inspections are made. 

The American Express To Change

By Ebose Okoruwa
The Peanut Gallery
on Energy & Natural Resources:

Shouts of, "G.O.P." and ,"Take back the Whitehouse," filled the air at the Republican Party Caucus. With such rousing shows of patriotism, it does not take much for one to see the Republican party causing changes at Capitol Hill.
Even the reserved Senator Robert Burnett was fired up to take back control of government policy. The senator said this with a glint of fervor in his eyes, "It feels like we are in a hot tub time machine... and we are being transported to the Reagan years."

His statements were contrasted with Senator Mark Undall's words about the Democratic Caucus, which were, "The Caucus was good, very inspirational... we are going in the right direction." With such a reserved attitude in the Democratic Caucus, one can feel the momentum of the Democratic party faltering. These caucuses show that change might be on the horizon for hotly contested issues such as America's energy infrastructure.

The Money Pit

By Bonnie Stoller
The Peanut Gallery
on Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs:

Congress’ fierce debate regarding healthcare attempts to address issues we all hate: plummeting efficiency, high patient-doctor ratios, and mismanaged funds. Patient congestion has reached nauseating highs, resulting in long lines and a resource drought. While delegates on both sides of the aisle want a system that works, partisan differences are hot and heavy in the debate.

Liberals are likely to point fingers at insufficient funding as the cause of resource shortage and limited accessibility, arguing that public health clinics can only successfully serve the public when it obtains sufficient doctors and money.

Conservatives see the healthcare system is dysfunctional. Rather than pouring money into a system that is fundamentally broken, they are likely to question public healthcare as the correct vehicle for offering regular care. 

As The Dust Settles, A Shifting Scope Emerges

By Isabel Henderson
The Peanut Gallery
on National Security Council:

After the tragic volcanic explosion in Sumatra this Thursday, the United States’ response to the event will be closely discussed and analyzed as it moves to aid the Indonesian government. In addition to its economic and environmental impact, the scope of the disaster has shifted the political focus in regards to United States-Indonesian relations.

The National Security Council, as the major government body for foreign policy, will consider both previous and recent events regarding its relationship to Indonesia in determining its response to the event. While not a major component of international political focus, the NSC’s response remains nonetheless a part of the conversation. The breadth of the United States’ donation of aid, in the form of material as well as troop support, will be carefully considered.

The NSC may opt to offer support to the Indonesian government for the sake of international relations between the two countries. The Council may also move to influence other countries to assist this beleaguered island nation.

Arguments may arise within the Council regarding the depth to which the NSC involves itself in the affairs in Jakarta.

Science, What Is It Good For? Absolutely Everything.

By Korinne Kornmann
The Blue Print
on Commerce, Science & Transport:

Waste removal, oil, the fate of programs like NASA, transportation, and trade are all issues that fall into the hands of the Commerce Science and Transportation Committee (CST). The decisions they make have the power to get the nation out of economic hardships.

One of the major issues in line to be discussed is the way funding will be given in regards to scientific research. It has been said that without funding it will be hard for America to continue to progress as a strong nation.

The stimulus package has dedicated sixteen billion dollars to scientific research. Conservatives believe that this funding should be set-up in a free market system where funding is given to projects based on their importance.

College Funding: The Battle On The Home Front

By Aislinn McLaughlin
The Blue Print
on Appropriations:

For most high school seniors, April brings more than showers as the steady flow of college decision letters invade innumerable mailboxes; however, regardless of whether the college process presents you with prospects or complications, the one indisputable piece of baggage it infallibly delivers is financial pressure. With college tuition rates rising three times as fast as the average family income, loans and financial aid have almost become a necessity for many families who otherwise couldn’t afford to send their children to college.

As of now, prospective and students and their families can obtain financial aid through a variety of programs such as the College Scholarship Service (CSS) and the Federal Pell Grant Program, or they can turn to the colleges themselves for need or merit-based aid. Nevertheless, in spite of the range of methods available to families, finances remain a pressing issue due to cumbersome application processes and constricting deadlines for families looking to repay the loans plus interest.

Secure Savings or Save Sumatra

By Liz Soolkin
The Blue Print
on Armed Services:

The Armed Services Committee in the House of Representatives faces a dilemma: provide military aid to assist those whose homes were destroyed by an unexpected volcanic eruption in Sumatra or allot that aid to offer security for international corporations in Ecuador.

On February 25th, Sumatra, an Indonesian island, was struck with a catastrophic natural disaster. Mount Sinabung erupted violently and unexpectedly. The eruption, along with the days of earthquakes that followed, stole millions of lives from the island. The Indonesian government has pronounced a state of emergency and has eliminated all flights in and out of the country. The government of this devastated nation, has already expressed its dire need for foreign aid, especially from the US government.

Simultaneously, conservatives in the Armed Services Committee are expressing their desire to protect various American companies in Ecuador,

US Can't Abandon Ship On Piracy Policies

By Scott Neuberger
The Blue Print
on Foreign Affairs:

The United States has the capability and responsibility to smash piracy in Somali waters. In 2008, a total of 111 attacks took place near the Horn of Africa, an astounding number that more than doubled since the previous year. Yet in only the first quarter of 2009, the number of attacks is already greater than in 2008.

One option the conservative officials of the US government are taking into consideration is the idea of employing naval forces to patrol the region and establish order along the Horn of Africa.

Liberals are not in favor of using violence to diminish piracy, but instead want to implement diplomacy to better our relations by providing economic aid to improve the economy in the hope that piracy will decrease.

Who Is Going To Repair The Economic Stimulus?

By Jillian Jenkins

The Peanut Gallery

on Appropriations:

The future of the current economic status does not have as bright of outlook as previously predicted.

The economy in its current state today has left many in America struggling to make ends meet. Congressional acts made have tried to help the American public to get back on its feet.

One of the primary Congressional acts passed is the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act. This allowed the Treasury to purchase assets from financial institutions and cost roughly around $700 million.

The second of the primary bills to assist the economic situation is the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This legislation gave funding to many different and unrelated programs in an effort to stimulate aggregate demand and save jobs. The Democratic Party was a major proponent of this bill.

The War On Depression

By Courtney Halgren
The Peanut Gallery
on Armed Services:

With gridlock in the House and Senate over healthcare policy, the fate of military mental health hangs precariously in the balance. While both parties are in agreement about the necessity of an improved system for treating post-combat disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the road to bipartisanship will certainly be a tough one.

Liberals push for a highly aggressive program of government spending to improve treatment and research of combat-related disorders. Republicans propose a more moderate and economic-minded program stipulating improved training and privatizing military healthcare. The struggle to reconcile such opposing solutions to a widely recognized issue should yield intense debate, encompassing all aspects of the issue, from funding and distribution of funds to treatment and target patients.

Most significant in this opposition is the clash between the federal expenditures of each program. Democrats advocate a rigorous policy change accompanied by large-scale expansion of the budget, while conservatives promote an economically savvy and refined series of modifications.

To Reform Or Not To Reform Foreign Aid

By Maryann Slater
The Peanut Gallery
on Foreign Affairs:

Currently sitting on the floor of the foreign affairs committee in the House is the issue of reforming foreign aid assistance programs. As America’s aid to other countries has recently been scrutinized, the debate of whether the U.S. should expand its foreign aid funding has formed.

Democrats hold the UN Millennium Goals concerning foreign aid to a high standard and wish to reinstate funding to the United Nations Population Fund. They view foreign aid as a way to assist countries in expanding their developments.

Republicans view foreign aid as a means of upholding and advancing American connections and security interests internationally. Countries that receive American aid are strongly asked to promote free trade markets.

Homeland Security, Indonesia Needs Our Help!

By Chris Moses
The Blue Print
on Homeland Security:

Hurricane Katrina literally wiped out New Orleans. Although four years of reconstruction have passed, the city is still far from the way it once was. It has only partially recovered from the catastrophe. The issue at hand is what to do now in terms of reconstructing New Orleans after a massive recession.

Even before the economy crashed, the origins of the funds for the future projects of New Orleans perplexed the US. Where should the money come from, the federal government, state and local governments, taxes, or private developers? After the economic downfall the reconstruction has slowed considerably.

Conservatives believe the federal government should not be primarily responsible for the funds because spending money and raising taxes has a detrimental effect on the economy; this causes the government to become an ineffective investor and consumer. On the other hand, the liberals believe federal government spending is essential for the reconstruction of New Orleans because they believe the government should involve itself more in issues like rebuilding New Orleans.

Agriculture Committee Faces Stress After Mt. Sinaburg Disaster

By Monica DeStefano
The Blue Print
on Agriculture:

On February 25, 2010 Mount Sinaburg on the Indoneisian island of Sumatra erupted. Although the U.S. currently faces no danger or devastation currently, the future of America’s agriculture and economy is at stake. Top climate scientists and volcanologists are urging attention at the amount of ash the eruption has sent out into the atmosphere, which is approximately 130 kilometers cubed. This number is dangerously close to the 160 kilometers cubed that was released into the atmosphere as a result of the 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora.

The ash release by Mount Tambora’s eruption caused the average global temperature to drop by 1 degree Fahrenheit. This seeming small drop resulted in the failure to produce crops in the world. This failure caused worldwide starvation, food riots, and disease epidemics. The U.S. State Department is advising preparations for long-term climate affects and crop failure throughout the country and the globe should be anticipated.

Foreign & Domestic Environmental Costs

By Cammi Cuartero–Crawford
The Blue Print
on Housing, Banking & Urban:

Due to the large levels of sulfur dioxide gas, a compound often found in acid rain, it may be harder for countries to receive foreign loans from private investors in the United States. Expect a change in climate, and if so; Indonesia faces the reality of failed agriculture and a failed economy, likewise for the United States and every other agricultural nation.

Through leading channels, private parties have the means to provide obtainable credit, to preserve cost-cutting measures. Preparation early on, can avoid the failure of our markets and markets globally. We, as Americans, have already seen the difficulty of performing everyday activities when credit is difficult to acquire. Credit measures a nation’s success and strength. Private investors built our economy, and they can save our economy now.

Volcanic Eruption Serves as a Wakeup Call for FEMA

By Tara Coyle

The Peanut Gallery

on Homeland Security:

Will the volcanic eruption of Mount Sinabung give Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) the drive to separate from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or will it strengthen the hold of the DHS? Since the founding of FEMA, dating back to 1803, its reputation has been far from spot free. With its piece meal approach to natural disasters, it was highly criticized for its lack of game plans and experience.

As time passed, its purpose became more specific, and guidelines for dealing with not only natural disasters but aftermath as well, were set. Unfortunately those reforms were proven to be far from sufficient when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005. FEMA lacked not only a proper plan, but also insufficient resources and communication. This led to chaos far beyond the means of FEMA. The hurricane seemed to be the tipping point for the organization, and ultimately led to a lack of faith.

The Positive Effect of Mount Sinabung on American Agriculture

By Allison Cott

The Peanut Gallery

on Agriculture:

The tragic eruption of Mount Sinabung has caused tremendous amounts of death and horrible situations for the island of Sumatra, but may actually be a solution to some of the United States agricultural problems. There have been many issues in the U.S. with people not buying enough domestic goods. A lot of people think that the produce and farm animal meat that they are eating is being grown right here in the United States of America. Well, they are sadly mistaken.

Starting in the 1920s, our country went into an Agricultural Depression and we have been spiraling downwards ever since then. At the beginning of the 20th century, about 25% of the nation’s population was involved in farming. Now less that number has dropped to less than 2%. Today, most of our countries agricultural products and goods come from trading with foreign nations or from large mass-producing factories.