-John Paul Stevens was nominated by Gerald Ford as a moderate Midwestern Republican, but is now the leader of the liberal bloc of the court, today announced his retirement. Here are some of his potential replacements.
-A recent poll found that Americans preferred cutting spending to raising taxes by a 61% to 5% margin. But when asked which programs we should cut, only item garnered support from a majority: foreign aid. Currently, 1% of our budget goes toward foreign aid (much of it to Israel, Egypt, Iraq, and Afghanistan). As this excellent piece points out, even if we add together the total budget for the five programs that garnered support from more than 25% of the population, they still only account for 3% of the budget. Meaning we have some difficult choices ahead of us.
-The recession, officially, is almost certainly over. And a number of indicators -- from jobs to sales -- convey positive news. Yet, the mood of the general public has yet to shift. That's partially because unemployment is still high and the recovery is likely to be slow.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
More Poverty Policy Links
-The Economist asks "Who's Rich?" The middle three quartiles of household income (20th-80th percentiles) ranges from $20,000 to $100,000. The health care bill focuses taxes on individuals earning over $200,000 per year and households earning over $250,000 per year. The 95th percentile for individual income is $180,000 . . . meaning these taxes will impact very few Americans.
-Social Security was projected to begin taking in less money that it spends in 2016, but it appears it will instead do that this year -- largely because of the recession. Not to fear, though, because of the large trust fund it's built up by running a surplus for the past few decades, the latest projection is that Social Security won't actually run out of money until 2037.
-The University of Cincinnati has housing specifically for first generation college students (the Gen-1 house) . . . largely b/c first generation students are four times as likely to drop out as other students . . . nationally, 89% of low-income first generation students fail to graduate in six years.
-Most importantly, as of 7pm Eastern, the Pirates are in first place in the NL Central.
-Social Security was projected to begin taking in less money that it spends in 2016, but it appears it will instead do that this year -- largely because of the recession. Not to fear, though, because of the large trust fund it's built up by running a surplus for the past few decades, the latest projection is that Social Security won't actually run out of money until 2037.
-The University of Cincinnati has housing specifically for first generation college students (the Gen-1 house) . . . largely b/c first generation students are four times as likely to drop out as other students . . . nationally, 89% of low-income first generation students fail to graduate in six years.
-Most importantly, as of 7pm Eastern, the Pirates are in first place in the NL Central.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Poverty Policy Links
Reading for Tomorrow:
-NYC pays poor for good conduct, with mixed results
-Is Chicago's 'Transformed' Cabrini-Green 'Too Good for Poor People'?
-His Dream: A Las Vegas without Public Housing
(you can skim the first half and start reading under the "What Can Be Done?" sub-heading)
Other Interesting Links:
-MSNBC and the NYTimes both profile the rise and fall of public housing in Atlanta -- which was the first city to open a major public housing development and now is the first to get rid of all of them.
-Underscoring the problems with measurement of poverty, NYC has seen poverty increase under a new, better, measure they're testing out while it fell under the official measure.
-One city in Utah has closed their homeless shelter, hoping to stop the influx of homeless people into their town. Instead, they'll offer subsidized housing that requires a down payment.
-NYC pays poor for good conduct, with mixed results
-Is Chicago's 'Transformed' Cabrini-Green 'Too Good for Poor People'?
-His Dream: A Las Vegas without Public Housing
(you can skim the first half and start reading under the "What Can Be Done?" sub-heading)
Other Interesting Links:
-MSNBC and the NYTimes both profile the rise and fall of public housing in Atlanta -- which was the first city to open a major public housing development and now is the first to get rid of all of them.
-Underscoring the problems with measurement of poverty, NYC has seen poverty increase under a new, better, measure they're testing out while it fell under the official measure.
-One city in Utah has closed their homeless shelter, hoping to stop the influx of homeless people into their town. Instead, they'll offer subsidized housing that requires a down payment.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Public Opinion on Health Care: An Update
For months leading up to the passage of health care, the pollster.com average found a net plurality of around 5-12 percentage points disapproved of the plan. The first poll taken after passage, however, found the public in favor of the plan by a 49-40 margin. Was that just an outlier, or has opinion actually shifted?
There have been five polls polls taken after passage of the bill. Here's how they stack up:
Across these five polls, a plurality still disapprove of health care -- but only a very slight one. Let's compare them to the last five polls released before passage:
The last five polls were among the most negative of the past year. Whether this is due to the build-up before passage or simply the five that happened to be last, I can't quite say. Comparing these 10, we see a 13 point swing in net approval of the health care bill. But this might not be the right comparison groups. Given the different questions and samples of the polls, it might be better to compare polls taken by the same organization before and after. There have been three of these:
Looking at only these three, we find a 7 point swing in net approval -- and we still see a small plurality (though not majority) opposed to the bill.
The trend could be just a blip, could be based on a few faulty polls, or could be a genuine shift in how Americans view the health care bill (or at least how they report they feel). Time should tell which interpretation is correct.
There have been five polls polls taken after passage of the bill. Here's how they stack up:
| Favor | Oppose | Net | |
| WaPo | 46 | 50 | -4 |
| CBS | 42 | 46 | -4 |
| Quinnipiac | 40 | 49 | -9 |
| USA Today-Gallup | 49 | 40 | 9 |
| YouGov | 50 | 50 | 0 |
| average | 45.4 | 47 | -1.6 |
Across these five polls, a plurality still disapprove of health care -- but only a very slight one. Let's compare them to the last five polls released before passage:
| Favor | Oppose | Net | |
| Bloomberg | 38 | 50 | -12 |
| CNN | 39 | 59 | -20 |
| CBS | 37 | 48 | -11 |
| Quinnipiac | 36 | 54 | -18 |
| Rasmussen | 41 | 54 | -13 |
| average | 38.2 | 53 | -14.8 |
The last five polls were among the most negative of the past year. Whether this is due to the build-up before passage or simply the five that happened to be last, I can't quite say. Comparing these 10, we see a 13 point swing in net approval of the health care bill. But this might not be the right comparison groups. Given the different questions and samples of the polls, it might be better to compare polls taken by the same organization before and after. There have been three of these:
| After | Before | |||||
| Favor | Oppose | Net | Favor | Oppose | Net | |
| CBS | 42 | 46 | -4 | 37 | 48 | -11 |
| Quinnipiac | 40 | 49 | -9 | 36 | 54 | -18 |
| YouGov | 50 | 50 | 0 | 48 | 53 | -5 |
| average | 44 | 48.33 | -4.33 | 40.33 | 51.67 | -11.33 |
Looking at only these three, we find a 7 point swing in net approval -- and we still see a small plurality (though not majority) opposed to the bill.
The trend could be just a blip, could be based on a few faulty polls, or could be a genuine shift in how Americans view the health care bill (or at least how they report they feel). Time should tell which interpretation is correct.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Poverty Policy Links
Nicholas Kristof writes that we're making progress in figuring out what will alleviate poverty. The answer? Jobs and education.
Lawrence Mead writes that the employment levels of poor men continues to decline and suggests that we use the criminal justice to force the 1.5 million men on probation or in arrears on their child support to work or go to jail.
Here's a review of William Julius Wilson's new book.
A brief look back at the life of Michael Harrington and the ways in which he influenced poverty policy
A rebuttal to the writings of Charles Murray, and other Libertarians, on poverty
Evictions are surprisingly common among the poor
Paul Krugman says recent research shows that "poverty is poison"
Alex Kotlowitz details how Cleveland has dealt with with their spate of foreclosures
He also details how Chicago's public housing system has failed (as of 2002)
Lawrence Mead writes that the employment levels of poor men continues to decline and suggests that we use the criminal justice to force the 1.5 million men on probation or in arrears on their child support to work or go to jail.
Here's a review of William Julius Wilson's new book.
A brief look back at the life of Michael Harrington and the ways in which he influenced poverty policy
A rebuttal to the writings of Charles Murray, and other Libertarians, on poverty
Evictions are surprisingly common among the poor
Paul Krugman says recent research shows that "poverty is poison"
Alex Kotlowitz details how Cleveland has dealt with with their spate of foreclosures
He also details how Chicago's public housing system has failed (as of 2002)
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Public Opinion on Health Care
An oft-heard talking point about the health care bill is that the public opposes it. The pollster.com average of public opinion polls has reported approval of the health care bill in the low forties and disapproval in the high forties for a few months now.
But some are speculating that the tide may turn after passage -- or, indeed, that it may have already turned. A new USA Today/Gallup poll conducted after the bill passed asked respondents if this was a good or bad thing -- 49% said good and 40% said bad.
A CBS poll also taken after the bill passed found that the approval/disapproval of 47/48 of the way that Obama has handled health care -- up from 41/51 before the debate
These are only two polls, so the trend might not continue. But two explanations exist as to why we're seeing these results:
1.) The initial results were misleading. Take the these results from a Bloomberg poll taken right before the vote in which 38% favored the bill and 50% were opposed
Health care is so complicated it is hard for the average American to understand the proposals that are currently being discussed
75% Agree, 23% Disagree
The cost of doing nothing on health care will be greater than the cost of the proposed plan to overhaul it
51% Agree, 40% Disagree
The health care system is fine the way it is
20% Agree, 79% Disagree
In short, people don't know much about the health care bill but they want to do something to fix the broken health care system.
2.) As 538 points out, a small but meaningful number of people opposed the bill b/c it wasn't liberal enough. The approval numbers among Independents and Republicans in the new USA Today/Gallup poll is roughly similar to other previous polls, but the approval numbers among Democrats are much higher.
In the last poll before the bill passed (and outlier in terms of negativity toward the bill), conducted by CNN, 59% reported that they were opposed to the bill -- but 13% reported opposing the bill b/c it wasn't liberal enough. In other words, 52% of the population either favored the bill or thought it wasn't liberal enough while 43% opposed the bill b/c it was too liberal.
But some are speculating that the tide may turn after passage -- or, indeed, that it may have already turned. A new USA Today/Gallup poll conducted after the bill passed asked respondents if this was a good or bad thing -- 49% said good and 40% said bad.
A CBS poll also taken after the bill passed found that the approval/disapproval of 47/48 of the way that Obama has handled health care -- up from 41/51 before the debate
These are only two polls, so the trend might not continue. But two explanations exist as to why we're seeing these results:
1.) The initial results were misleading. Take the these results from a Bloomberg poll taken right before the vote in which 38% favored the bill and 50% were opposed
Health care is so complicated it is hard for the average American to understand the proposals that are currently being discussed
75% Agree, 23% Disagree
The cost of doing nothing on health care will be greater than the cost of the proposed plan to overhaul it
51% Agree, 40% Disagree
The health care system is fine the way it is
20% Agree, 79% Disagree
In short, people don't know much about the health care bill but they want to do something to fix the broken health care system.
2.) As 538 points out, a small but meaningful number of people opposed the bill b/c it wasn't liberal enough. The approval numbers among Independents and Republicans in the new USA Today/Gallup poll is roughly similar to other previous polls, but the approval numbers among Democrats are much higher.
In the last poll before the bill passed (and outlier in terms of negativity toward the bill), conducted by CNN, 59% reported that they were opposed to the bill -- but 13% reported opposing the bill b/c it wasn't liberal enough. In other words, 52% of the population either favored the bill or thought it wasn't liberal enough while 43% opposed the bill b/c it was too liberal.
Today's Links
-CBS Moneywatch breaks down the winners and losers of the health care reform
-The health care bill may or may not do many things depending on whom you ask, but one thing it certainly does is reduce inequality -- some argue this makes it the first major piece of social legislation to be passed in four decades
-California has a money saving idea: release people from prison
-TN thought about making it slightly more difficult for passengers to drink while being driven, but the bill stalled out yet again
-Secretary of Education Arne Duncan may have a scandal on his hands. Seems like while he was superintendent of Chicago schools that his office kept a list of powerful people who asked for their kids to be placed in certain schools. His former aides say they only kept the list to keep a record of all requests and increase transparency . . . not everybody believes that to be the case. Many students on the list weren't admitted to the school about which they asked -- former Gov. Rod Blagojevich made a request on behalf of one student, and the note on the subsequent action taken simply reads "STAY AWAY FROM THIS ONE."
-The health care bill may or may not do many things depending on whom you ask, but one thing it certainly does is reduce inequality -- some argue this makes it the first major piece of social legislation to be passed in four decades
-California has a money saving idea: release people from prison
-TN thought about making it slightly more difficult for passengers to drink while being driven, but the bill stalled out yet again
-Secretary of Education Arne Duncan may have a scandal on his hands. Seems like while he was superintendent of Chicago schools that his office kept a list of powerful people who asked for their kids to be placed in certain schools. His former aides say they only kept the list to keep a record of all requests and increase transparency . . . not everybody believes that to be the case. Many students on the list weren't admitted to the school about which they asked -- former Gov. Rod Blagojevich made a request on behalf of one student, and the note on the subsequent action taken simply reads "STAY AWAY FROM THIS ONE."
Monday, March 22, 2010
Health Care Passes
As the fateful hour loomed, emotions ran high. Both sides characterized the bill in strong terms:
"The G.O.P. used to stand for the Grand Old Party. Now it stands for grandstand, oppose and postpone," said Edward Markey (D-MA)
“This bill will destroy freedom and do damage to the very fabric of our society,” said John Shadegg (R-AZ)
Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) reduced the bill to four words: “You’ve got health care.”
Tom Price (R-GA) said that if the bill becomes law: “We lose our morality. We lose our freedom.”
"Some said we're making history, I believe we're breaking history" said Mike Pence (R-IN)
Speaker Nancy Pelosi concluded the debate, saying “We may not have chosen the time, but the time has chosen us.”
At 10:41pm Eastern, the House voted to adopt the Senate's version of the health care bill (breakdown of final vote). Less than an hour later, a reconciliation bill composed of changes and amendments to the original bill also passed. President Obama is expected to sign the former into law in the next day or two -- the Senate will take the the latter up for debate in the near future as well. During debate on the reconciliation bill, Bart Stupak took the floor to explain why his peers should vote for the current language rather than sending it back to committee and adding stronger anti-abortion provisions and was interrupted by an as yet unidentified Republican shouting "baby killer!" -- the race is now on for the first media outlet to identify the shouter.
Following the votes, President Obama added a few concluding remarks, saying that today represents “another stone firmly laid in the foundation of the American dream,” and that “tonight, we answered the call of history as so many generations of Americans have before us."
The Democrats clearly ended the night feeling triumphant. Time will tell if Republicans' predictions of doom for those voting for the bill will come true. If so, the triumph could be somewhat short-lived.
"The G.O.P. used to stand for the Grand Old Party. Now it stands for grandstand, oppose and postpone," said Edward Markey (D-MA)
“This bill will destroy freedom and do damage to the very fabric of our society,” said John Shadegg (R-AZ)
Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) reduced the bill to four words: “You’ve got health care.”
Tom Price (R-GA) said that if the bill becomes law: “We lose our morality. We lose our freedom.”
"Some said we're making history, I believe we're breaking history" said Mike Pence (R-IN)
Speaker Nancy Pelosi concluded the debate, saying “We may not have chosen the time, but the time has chosen us.”
At 10:41pm Eastern, the House voted to adopt the Senate's version of the health care bill (breakdown of final vote). Less than an hour later, a reconciliation bill composed of changes and amendments to the original bill also passed. President Obama is expected to sign the former into law in the next day or two -- the Senate will take the the latter up for debate in the near future as well. During debate on the reconciliation bill, Bart Stupak took the floor to explain why his peers should vote for the current language rather than sending it back to committee and adding stronger anti-abortion provisions and was interrupted by an as yet unidentified Republican shouting "baby killer!" -- the race is now on for the first media outlet to identify the shouter.
Following the votes, President Obama added a few concluding remarks, saying that today represents “another stone firmly laid in the foundation of the American dream,” and that “tonight, we answered the call of history as so many generations of Americans have before us."
The Democrats clearly ended the night feeling triumphant. Time will tell if Republicans' predictions of doom for those voting for the bill will come true. If so, the triumph could be somewhat short-lived.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Upcoming: The Most Important Vote on Health Care
The House is scheduled to vote on the Senate's health care bill today. They need 216 votes to pass it -- according to the NY Times, as of Noon Eastern these 15 Representatives are still undecided and 6 of them need to vote yes. President Obama yesterday met with House Democrats to rally the troops, saying “Every once in a while a moment comes where you have a chance to vindicate all those best hopes that you had about yourself, about this country. This is one of those moments.”
The plan is for the House to pass the Senate version of the bill along with a set of changes that would have to be passed by the Senate through what's known as budget reconcilliation -- a process that only requires 51 votes. It's widely expected that zero Republicans will vote for the measures, and so far the Democrats most unwilling to commit to a yes vote are those who originally voted for the so-called Stupak amendment (named after Bart Stupak from Michigan), designed to limit abortion funding.
It's been a long, tough road for Democrats, and today may be the most important day for the legacies of Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi and the electoral chances of a few dozen Democrats in Congress.
Update: In a 4pm press conference, Bart Stupak announced that he and a few others have agreed to vote for the bill on the condition that Obama issue an executive order prohibiting the usage of public funds for abortions -- this all but guarantees that the bill will pass at some point today. You can follow all the action here
The plan is for the House to pass the Senate version of the bill along with a set of changes that would have to be passed by the Senate through what's known as budget reconcilliation -- a process that only requires 51 votes. It's widely expected that zero Republicans will vote for the measures, and so far the Democrats most unwilling to commit to a yes vote are those who originally voted for the so-called Stupak amendment (named after Bart Stupak from Michigan), designed to limit abortion funding.
It's been a long, tough road for Democrats, and today may be the most important day for the legacies of Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi and the electoral chances of a few dozen Democrats in Congress.
Update: In a 4pm press conference, Bart Stupak announced that he and a few others have agreed to vote for the bill on the condition that Obama issue an executive order prohibiting the usage of public funds for abortions -- this all but guarantees that the bill will pass at some point today. You can follow all the action here
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Health Policy Links
-Democrats expect a vote on health care reform as early as this weekend. The NY Times has a breakdown of which votes they need to get in order for it to pass . . . Dennis Kucinich announced today that he would switch to a "yes," making them one vote closer
-As the vote nears, the poll numbers on health care continue to improve -- mostly b/c Democrats and liberals who don't particularly like the bill are starting to realize it's either this or nothing. The latest aggregate poll numbers are 49-44 against the bill -- the best numbers for Democrats in six months.
-But not everything is changing. Even after all the negative publicity Anthem Blue Cross is still planning to proceed with their 39% rate hike. The new rates are effective as of May 1st
-A NY Times health writer compares past and projected health costs under the current system to what they might have been under previous failed reforms
-Paul Krugman writes that the notions that health care reform is a government take-over of one-sixth of the economy, does nothing to control costs, and is fiscally irresponsible are all myths
-David Brooks admires the passion shown by Democrates, writing that "The 30 million who would be covered under the Democratic proposals are not big voters, while the millions who would pay for the coverage are strikingly unhappy." But, at the same time, he thinks the passion has led to a fiscally irresponsible bill and believes Congress doesn't have the guts to follow through on the cost-cutting parts of the bill in the long run.
-Maryland has contained their health care costs grow since deciding in 1977 to allow an independent commission to set reimbursement rates for acute care
-Emulating Philadelphia, Pittsburgh's mayor is now proposing a 2 cents per ounce tax on sugary drinks in order to solve their revenue problems
-Pittsburgh has also had success getting young kids to eat their vegetables using the "Food is Elementary" curriculum in some local schools
-A bill in the NY state legislature would ban restaurants from putting any salt in foods
-The South Bronx has possibly the nation's worst hunger problem . . . and one of the most severe obesity problems as well. Why? Partially b/c almost all of the food available in the poverty-stricken area is cheap and unhealthy.
-As the vote nears, the poll numbers on health care continue to improve -- mostly b/c Democrats and liberals who don't particularly like the bill are starting to realize it's either this or nothing. The latest aggregate poll numbers are 49-44 against the bill -- the best numbers for Democrats in six months.
-But not everything is changing. Even after all the negative publicity Anthem Blue Cross is still planning to proceed with their 39% rate hike. The new rates are effective as of May 1st
-A NY Times health writer compares past and projected health costs under the current system to what they might have been under previous failed reforms
-Paul Krugman writes that the notions that health care reform is a government take-over of one-sixth of the economy, does nothing to control costs, and is fiscally irresponsible are all myths
-David Brooks admires the passion shown by Democrates, writing that "The 30 million who would be covered under the Democratic proposals are not big voters, while the millions who would pay for the coverage are strikingly unhappy." But, at the same time, he thinks the passion has led to a fiscally irresponsible bill and believes Congress doesn't have the guts to follow through on the cost-cutting parts of the bill in the long run.
-Maryland has contained their health care costs grow since deciding in 1977 to allow an independent commission to set reimbursement rates for acute care
-Emulating Philadelphia, Pittsburgh's mayor is now proposing a 2 cents per ounce tax on sugary drinks in order to solve their revenue problems
-Pittsburgh has also had success getting young kids to eat their vegetables using the "Food is Elementary" curriculum in some local schools
-A bill in the NY state legislature would ban restaurants from putting any salt in foods
-The South Bronx has possibly the nation's worst hunger problem . . . and one of the most severe obesity problems as well. Why? Partially b/c almost all of the food available in the poverty-stricken area is cheap and unhealthy.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Ed Policy Links
-On Saturday, Obama called for an overhaul of NCLB. Among other changes, he'd like to see an end of the 100% by 2014 goal, broader evaluations of schools, and use of trend (rather than snapshot) data -- but still maintains the annual math and reading tests.
-After surging in popularity over the past few years, charter schools are starting to receive some pushback. The state senator from Harlem, the hotbed of charter schools, recently put his foot down on the issue. And conservative researcher Diane Ravitch (who was assistant secretary of education under Bush I) recently released a book indicating a change of heart on school choice. Here, some experts discuss why the recent spate of negative press.
-Meanwhile, traditional public schools in Harlem have responded to the influx of charter schools by stepping up marketing efforts for their schools
-Here's some more info on the Harlem Children's zone, including one of the videos we watched in class today (here's the other video).
-Here's some background on the panel that recently proposed a set of national standards.
-Wake County, NC had perhaps the most aggressive integration/busing program in the country. As of a couple weeks ago, it looks like that will come to an end. Here's the background on that decision.
-Jay Mathews wonders if we shouldn't train teachers more like we train ice skaters
-After surging in popularity over the past few years, charter schools are starting to receive some pushback. The state senator from Harlem, the hotbed of charter schools, recently put his foot down on the issue. And conservative researcher Diane Ravitch (who was assistant secretary of education under Bush I) recently released a book indicating a change of heart on school choice. Here, some experts discuss why the recent spate of negative press.
-Meanwhile, traditional public schools in Harlem have responded to the influx of charter schools by stepping up marketing efforts for their schools
-Here's some more info on the Harlem Children's zone, including one of the videos we watched in class today (here's the other video).
-Here's some background on the panel that recently proposed a set of national standards.
-Wake County, NC had perhaps the most aggressive integration/busing program in the country. As of a couple weeks ago, it looks like that will come to an end. Here's the background on that decision.
-Jay Mathews wonders if we shouldn't train teachers more like we train ice skaters
Politics Update
-The latest projection is that the Democrats will control 55 seats in the Senate after the November election.
-As the Democrats get ready to use reconciliation to push through their final health care bill, Harry Reid sent this letter to Mitch McConnell, most notably including this section:
“As you know, the vast majority of bills developed through reconciliation were passed by Republican Congresses and signed into law by Republican Presidents – including President Bush’s massive, budget-busting tax breaks for multi-millionaires. Given this history, one might conclude that Republicans believe a majority vote is sufficient to increase the deficit and benefit the super-rich, but not to reduce the deficit and benefit the middle class. Alternatively, perhaps Republicans believe a majority vote is appropriate only when Republicans are in the majority. Either way, we disagree.”
-Don't understand what's going on with health care? Here's a handy road map.
-David Brooks argues that both the left and the right misunderstand Obama and the current political climate, largely due to "the information cocoons that partisans live in these days". While Brooks doesn't like a lot of Obama's political positions, he writes that "he is still the most realistic and reasonable major player in Washington." And that
"Liberals are wrong to call him weak and indecisive. He’s just not always pursuing their aims. Conservatives are wrong to call him a big-government liberal. That’s just not a fair reading of his agenda."
-House GOP members have agreed to refrain from all earmark spending this year in hopes that they can campaign on a platform of fiscal responsibility. The problem, of course, is that earmarks help the people who vote for a particular congressperson and hurt the rest of the country (i.e. everybody who doesn't have a vote in that particular race)
-Here's the dope on Jim Bunning's last stand. Except, wait, he's at it again . . .
-Last, but certainly no least, here's Slate's guess as to what Obama's facebook feed might look like
-As the Democrats get ready to use reconciliation to push through their final health care bill, Harry Reid sent this letter to Mitch McConnell, most notably including this section:
“As you know, the vast majority of bills developed through reconciliation were passed by Republican Congresses and signed into law by Republican Presidents – including President Bush’s massive, budget-busting tax breaks for multi-millionaires. Given this history, one might conclude that Republicans believe a majority vote is sufficient to increase the deficit and benefit the super-rich, but not to reduce the deficit and benefit the middle class. Alternatively, perhaps Republicans believe a majority vote is appropriate only when Republicans are in the majority. Either way, we disagree.”
-Don't understand what's going on with health care? Here's a handy road map.
-David Brooks argues that both the left and the right misunderstand Obama and the current political climate, largely due to "the information cocoons that partisans live in these days". While Brooks doesn't like a lot of Obama's political positions, he writes that "he is still the most realistic and reasonable major player in Washington." And that
"Liberals are wrong to call him weak and indecisive. He’s just not always pursuing their aims. Conservatives are wrong to call him a big-government liberal. That’s just not a fair reading of his agenda."
-House GOP members have agreed to refrain from all earmark spending this year in hopes that they can campaign on a platform of fiscal responsibility. The problem, of course, is that earmarks help the people who vote for a particular congressperson and hurt the rest of the country (i.e. everybody who doesn't have a vote in that particular race)
-Here's the dope on Jim Bunning's last stand. Except, wait, he's at it again . . .
-Last, but certainly no least, here's Slate's guess as to what Obama's facebook feed might look like
Friday, February 26, 2010
More Health Policy Links
-Here's an interactive overview of the history of health care reform in America
-It may soon be illegal to have an open container of alcohol in a moving vehicle in Tennessee -- even if a passenger is holding it (yes, that means it's not illegal right now)
-The outrage over Anthem's 39% rate hike continues in CA, with the state now subpoenaing records from a number of insurers
wrap-ups of yesterday's summit from:
-The NY Times1
-The NY Times2
-The Economist
-ABC
-The White House
-Barack Obama (includes numerous video clips)
-The Washington Post
notably, all of the news sources except the Economist were mostly pessimistic about what they saw
on an unrelated note, it looks almost certain that the U.S. will win the most medals at this year's Olympics!
Required Reading
-Reaching Agreement
-Not as Dull as Expected!
-Let's Move
-Low IQ Predicts Heart Disease
-Health Plan to Begin Checking State Workers for Smoking, Obesity
-It may soon be illegal to have an open container of alcohol in a moving vehicle in Tennessee -- even if a passenger is holding it (yes, that means it's not illegal right now)
-The outrage over Anthem's 39% rate hike continues in CA, with the state now subpoenaing records from a number of insurers
wrap-ups of yesterday's summit from:
-The NY Times1
-The NY Times2
-The Economist
-ABC
-The White House
-Barack Obama (includes numerous video clips)
-The Washington Post
notably, all of the news sources except the Economist were mostly pessimistic about what they saw
on an unrelated note, it looks almost certain that the U.S. will win the most medals at this year's Olympics!
Required Reading
-Reaching Agreement
-Not as Dull as Expected!
-Let's Move
-Low IQ Predicts Heart Disease
-Health Plan to Begin Checking State Workers for Smoking, Obesity
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Follow the Health Care Summit
The summit is streaming live here
Want more information? Here are some running commentaries on the proceedings:
-The White House Twitter feed
-The Republican Party's live response
-CBSNews liveblog
-Chicago Tribune liveblog
-The Guardian liveblog
-NPR liveblog
-CNN liveblog
-NY Times live comments from the general population
-NY Times analysis of Obama's speech
Want more information? Here are some running commentaries on the proceedings:
-The White House Twitter feed
-The Republican Party's live response
-CBSNews liveblog
-Chicago Tribune liveblog
-The Guardian liveblog
-NPR liveblog
-CNN liveblog
-NY Times live comments from the general population
-NY Times analysis of Obama's speech
Health Care Reform Links
The day of the health care summit has finally arrived. You can learn all about it and watch it live here. Here's the letter sent to members of Congress about it. Since the House and Senate have passed two different versions of the plan, President Obama promised to put together his own plan to present at the summit as the Democrats' plan -- though the plan is much closer to the Senate version than to the House version. That plan was posted to the White House on Monday, but the White House staff says they're still waiting for Republicans to send in theirs. Meanwhile, after getting hammered for months over their socialist plan to reform health care, the White House's new strategy is to point out all the parts of their plan that were originally proposed by Republicans.
-Here's an excellent table summarizing everything that Obama has put in his plan.
-It looks unlikely that the so-called "public option" will be included in any bill passed by Congress. A number of senators have said that it doesn't have the votes to pass and, therefore, they won't be voting for it. Nate Silver says if they were honest they'd say it doesn't have the votes to pass because I'm not voting for it. Paul Krugman argues that a public option is needed because 1.) it holds down administrative costs, 2.) provides competition, and 3.) an individual mandate is necessary, but is only politically feasible if people aren't forced to buy insurance from the current private insurance companies. In another post, Krugman argues that markets simply can't cure health care.
-Recent polling finds a majority of Americans say they're opposed to the health care plan, but are in favor of most of the major parts. After reporting their opinions on these parts, a plurality supports the health care plan. The Economist breaks down these results in another excellent table here and asks what, exactly, those who support most parts of the plan but still oppose the plan actually want.
-Some think that the recent spate of astronomical insurance rate hikes might ultimately allow the health care plan to pass. The media has been reporting for years (for example, here) that medical costs are rising, but the nearly 40% increase by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield may be a focusing event that opens up a policy window.
-One main complaint among Republicans is that the current health care bill doesn't address tort reform in order to shrink the cost of medical malpractice insurance. This has prompted many Democrats to argue that medical malpractice only makes up less than 5% of medical costs -- the NY Times, partially in response writes that small ideas won't fix health care. But here's a little bit more interesting take from the Economist: one writer says that while medical malpractice lawsuits don't really occur in Europe, it's because there's a trade-off -- doctors get paid far less in exchange for less responsibility and patients get their health care paid for by the government in exchange for fewer rights to sue.
-Here's an excellent table summarizing everything that Obama has put in his plan.
-It looks unlikely that the so-called "public option" will be included in any bill passed by Congress. A number of senators have said that it doesn't have the votes to pass and, therefore, they won't be voting for it. Nate Silver says if they were honest they'd say it doesn't have the votes to pass because I'm not voting for it. Paul Krugman argues that a public option is needed because 1.) it holds down administrative costs, 2.) provides competition, and 3.) an individual mandate is necessary, but is only politically feasible if people aren't forced to buy insurance from the current private insurance companies. In another post, Krugman argues that markets simply can't cure health care.
-Recent polling finds a majority of Americans say they're opposed to the health care plan, but are in favor of most of the major parts. After reporting their opinions on these parts, a plurality supports the health care plan. The Economist breaks down these results in another excellent table here and asks what, exactly, those who support most parts of the plan but still oppose the plan actually want.
-Some think that the recent spate of astronomical insurance rate hikes might ultimately allow the health care plan to pass. The media has been reporting for years (for example, here) that medical costs are rising, but the nearly 40% increase by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield may be a focusing event that opens up a policy window.
-One main complaint among Republicans is that the current health care bill doesn't address tort reform in order to shrink the cost of medical malpractice insurance. This has prompted many Democrats to argue that medical malpractice only makes up less than 5% of medical costs -- the NY Times, partially in response writes that small ideas won't fix health care. But here's a little bit more interesting take from the Economist: one writer says that while medical malpractice lawsuits don't really occur in Europe, it's because there's a trade-off -- doctors get paid far less in exchange for less responsibility and patients get their health care paid for by the government in exchange for fewer rights to sue.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Health Links
America is the fattest country in the developed world, TIME briefly runs down five main causes of the obesity epidemic.
Solutions to the problem abound:
-a panel of experts debate various efforts to effectively label junk food
-a large swath of LA has put a moratorium on the construction of new fast food restaurants exceptions were made for "'fast-food casual' restaurants, such as Subway or Pastagina, that do not have heat lamps or drive-through windows and that prepare fresh food to order"
-Nashville's public health chief continues the crusade for labeling on restaurant menus, but the TN legislature is making it awfully difficult for him. Does menu labeling work? Studies have found that patrons at Starbucks moderately reduced their calorie consumption after menu labeling, while patrons at fast food restaurants did not.
-In the same vein, the FDA may increase serving sizes so that labels more accurately reflect how much people eat
-NYC wants to limit salt intake and is starting with voluntary restrictions . . . you might be surprised which foods have the most salt. But we're not quite sure exactly how excess salt consumption affects people
-A book hot off the presses details how school lunches manage to "promote obesity and hunger at the same time" . . . which is part of the reason the "Naked Chef" (Jamie Oliver) wants to bring healthful lunches to schoolchildren across the country
-Due to spiraling health care costs, businesses are getting in on the game too: check out Whole Foods' employee discount program
-here's one crazy idea: scales built into bus stops . . . and a few more crazy ideas
-random tidbits: some contrasting billboards send contradicting messages
-oh, and to top it all off . . . the shape of hot dogs makes them dangerous for kids
Solutions to the problem abound:
-a panel of experts debate various efforts to effectively label junk food
-a large swath of LA has put a moratorium on the construction of new fast food restaurants exceptions were made for "'fast-food casual' restaurants, such as Subway or Pastagina, that do not have heat lamps or drive-through windows and that prepare fresh food to order"
-Nashville's public health chief continues the crusade for labeling on restaurant menus, but the TN legislature is making it awfully difficult for him. Does menu labeling work? Studies have found that patrons at Starbucks moderately reduced their calorie consumption after menu labeling, while patrons at fast food restaurants did not.
-In the same vein, the FDA may increase serving sizes so that labels more accurately reflect how much people eat
-NYC wants to limit salt intake and is starting with voluntary restrictions . . . you might be surprised which foods have the most salt. But we're not quite sure exactly how excess salt consumption affects people
-A book hot off the presses details how school lunches manage to "promote obesity and hunger at the same time" . . . which is part of the reason the "Naked Chef" (Jamie Oliver) wants to bring healthful lunches to schoolchildren across the country
-Due to spiraling health care costs, businesses are getting in on the game too: check out Whole Foods' employee discount program
-here's one crazy idea: scales built into bus stops . . . and a few more crazy ideas
-random tidbits: some contrasting billboards send contradicting messages
-oh, and to top it all off . . . the shape of hot dogs makes them dangerous for kids
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Politics Links: The Return of Ron Paul
-The Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC) held it's annual conference this week in Washington. The highlight of the conference is the Presidential straw poll (read the results, it will only take a couple minute and they're really interesting). The surprise winner of the straw poll . . . none other than TX Congressman Ron Paul. 48% of voters reported that they were students and 54% said they were aged 18-25 . . . so it's possible that Paul is far more popular among young voters than among older voters.
-Tom Schaller writes that we shouldn't be surprised at the result. For the past year, he says, plenty of evidence has "connected the Tea Party movement to residual Ron Paulites. When is the national media going to finally make these connections? Instead . . . these movement activists and their ideas are often discussed without much mention of their connections to Beck or Paul. Beck earns his share of attention, granted. But there is almost no recognition whatsoever of the true origins of this conservative backlash. The movement is instead covered as if it is the somehow the byproduct and wind in the sails of national Republicans like Michael Steele, John Boehner, Mitch McConnell, when in fact it is operating wholly independently of any or all of them."
-While CPAC provided more evidence that centrists have lost control of the Republican party, Evan Bayh took to the NY Times to explain why he resigned. The main problem, he says, is excessive partisanship . . . while many would agree with that point, fewer would agree with his solutions for the problem.
-Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, The Economist asks "Is America Ungovernable?"
-Tom Schaller writes that we shouldn't be surprised at the result. For the past year, he says, plenty of evidence has "connected the Tea Party movement to residual Ron Paulites. When is the national media going to finally make these connections? Instead . . . these movement activists and their ideas are often discussed without much mention of their connections to Beck or Paul. Beck earns his share of attention, granted. But there is almost no recognition whatsoever of the true origins of this conservative backlash. The movement is instead covered as if it is the somehow the byproduct and wind in the sails of national Republicans like Michael Steele, John Boehner, Mitch McConnell, when in fact it is operating wholly independently of any or all of them."
-While CPAC provided more evidence that centrists have lost control of the Republican party, Evan Bayh took to the NY Times to explain why he resigned. The main problem, he says, is excessive partisanship . . . while many would agree with that point, fewer would agree with his solutions for the problem.
-Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, The Economist asks "Is America Ungovernable?"
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Even More Economic Links
-Ben Bernanke is making plans for the Fed's role in the economy post-recession and post-stimulus
-Nate Silver asks whether the Democrats are completely incompetent at selling their economic reforms.
-The NY Times asks what it would take to get members of both parties to come together and work toward reducing our national debt
-James Kwak examines "budget sense and nonsense"
-David Brooks writes that the social response to the economic crisis is unformed and may require reforming masculinity
-The stock market has surged recently in response to more positive reports from housing and other sectors
Required Reading:
Obama, GOP debate success of stimulus at one-year mark
Judging Stimulus by Job Date Reveals Success
Mix Message
Ryan to the Rescue?
-Nate Silver asks whether the Democrats are completely incompetent at selling their economic reforms.
-The NY Times asks what it would take to get members of both parties to come together and work toward reducing our national debt
-James Kwak examines "budget sense and nonsense"
-David Brooks writes that the social response to the economic crisis is unformed and may require reforming masculinity
-The stock market has surged recently in response to more positive reports from housing and other sectors
Required Reading:
Obama, GOP debate success of stimulus at one-year mark
Judging Stimulus by Job Date Reveals Success
Mix Message
Ryan to the Rescue?
Transportation Options Links
-Detroit built a 13 stop "people mover" train downtown about 20 years ago and never expanded the line. Since the city is strapped for cash, a number of wealthy individuals have stepped up and provided seed money to begin construction of a rail line into the suburbs
-San Francisco anticipates a large number of people buying Chevy Volts, Nissan Leafs, and other electric cars in the near future. They're gearing up for the influx by, among other things, requiring that new buildings provide places to charge electric cars. This incredibly informative article is a highly recommended read.
-CNN points out that high-speed rail is likely skipping your town -- at least for now. The recent $8 billion in grants are only directed toward two truly high-speed rail projects (in CA and FL). Experts estimate that building a nationwide network could cost as much as $500 billion.
-San Francisco anticipates a large number of people buying Chevy Volts, Nissan Leafs, and other electric cars in the near future. They're gearing up for the influx by, among other things, requiring that new buildings provide places to charge electric cars. This incredibly informative article is a highly recommended read.
-CNN points out that high-speed rail is likely skipping your town -- at least for now. The recent $8 billion in grants are only directed toward two truly high-speed rail projects (in CA and FL). Experts estimate that building a nationwide network could cost as much as $500 billion.
Monday, February 15, 2010
More Economic Links
-Nate Silver points out that most Americans are pretty far off when they guess how our federal government spends our tax dollars
-A recent study by Northeastern economists finds that individuals from lower-income households are much more likely to be unemployed (see chart below). The Economist wonders whether Democrats or Republicans will be able to connect better with the unemployed blue collar workers.
-Two Op-Ed columnists from the NY Times offer differing opinions on how Obama should approach the next year. Conservative columnist David Brooks says that Obama was elected because people wanted a post-partisan leader, not because people wanted his Democratic agenda. He argues that Obama should aim for incremental change and show Americans that their country is governable. Liberal columnist Paul Krugman, on the other hand, is sick of the Republicans taking dishonest stances on fiscal issues, particularly medicare, and thinks it's time for Obama to take charge.
The one thing on which both agree? Republicans are being hypocritical. Brooks writes that Obama:
could continue to champion his fiscal commission. Republicans are being completely hypocritical on this, unwilling to embrace an idea they once supported because it might lead to tax increases. If he really put aside the publicity gimmicks, he could illustrate the difference between responsible government and the permanent campaign.
Krugman is more strident, concluding that:
The bottom line, then, is that the crusade against health reform has relied, crucially, on utter hypocrisy: Republicans who hate Medicare, tried to slash Medicare in the past, and still aim to dismantle the program over time, have been scoring political points by denouncing proposals for modest cost savings — savings that are substantially smaller than the spending cuts buried in their own proposals.
And if Democrats don’t get their act together and push the almost-completed reform across the goal line, this breathtaking act of staggering hypocrisy will succeed.
Both essentially agree that Republicans' about-face on various issues is politically savvy. As Brooks acknowledges, "Right now, the Republicans have no political incentive to deal on anything".
-On a completely different note, here's an interesting projection of the number of medals each country will win in the current Olympics
-A recent study by Northeastern economists finds that individuals from lower-income households are much more likely to be unemployed (see chart below). The Economist wonders whether Democrats or Republicans will be able to connect better with the unemployed blue collar workers.
-Two Op-Ed columnists from the NY Times offer differing opinions on how Obama should approach the next year. Conservative columnist David Brooks says that Obama was elected because people wanted a post-partisan leader, not because people wanted his Democratic agenda. He argues that Obama should aim for incremental change and show Americans that their country is governable. Liberal columnist Paul Krugman, on the other hand, is sick of the Republicans taking dishonest stances on fiscal issues, particularly medicare, and thinks it's time for Obama to take charge.
The one thing on which both agree? Republicans are being hypocritical. Brooks writes that Obama:
could continue to champion his fiscal commission. Republicans are being completely hypocritical on this, unwilling to embrace an idea they once supported because it might lead to tax increases. If he really put aside the publicity gimmicks, he could illustrate the difference between responsible government and the permanent campaign.
Krugman is more strident, concluding that:
The bottom line, then, is that the crusade against health reform has relied, crucially, on utter hypocrisy: Republicans who hate Medicare, tried to slash Medicare in the past, and still aim to dismantle the program over time, have been scoring political points by denouncing proposals for modest cost savings — savings that are substantially smaller than the spending cuts buried in their own proposals.
And if Democrats don’t get their act together and push the almost-completed reform across the goal line, this breathtaking act of staggering hypocrisy will succeed.
Both essentially agree that Republicans' about-face on various issues is politically savvy. As Brooks acknowledges, "Right now, the Republicans have no political incentive to deal on anything".
-On a completely different note, here's an interesting projection of the number of medals each country will win in the current Olympics
Friday, February 12, 2010
Links to Explore
-This week's Economist/YouGov poll finds that 59% of Americans don't know how many votes it takes to end a filibuster in the Senate. A number of other interesting findings are discussed as well.
-The Tennessean examines whether adding ethanol to gasoline also has some negative effects. Evidence is mostly anecdotal right now, but a more definitive study should be out within the next year.
-Kentucky became the first state to adopt math and reading standards developed by a national group.
-A number of people assume (or want to assume) that the recent snowstorms disprove global warming. Climate scientists point out both that weather always varies and that their models predict wider variations in weather as a result of climate change -- including more snowstorms.
-The Tennessean examines whether adding ethanol to gasoline also has some negative effects. Evidence is mostly anecdotal right now, but a more definitive study should be out within the next year.
-Kentucky became the first state to adopt math and reading standards developed by a national group.
-A number of people assume (or want to assume) that the recent snowstorms disprove global warming. Climate scientists point out both that weather always varies and that their models predict wider variations in weather as a result of climate change -- including more snowstorms.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Interactive Budget Displays and Games
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Economic Links
-A writer from CATO, a Libertarian think tank, says he hates Obama's policies but that pinning the 2009 deficit on him is factually incorrect since his programs accounted for only about 4% of the budget (contains some good graphs).
-The Atlantic writes that even though the Great Recession appears to be over we may now be entering a new era of high joblessness, which could have dire consequences for recent and soon-to-be college grads.
-FiveThirtyEight has an excellent breakdown of the recent unemployment numbers
The Economist writes that Obama is spending even more on Defense than his predecessors
-The Atlantic writes that even though the Great Recession appears to be over we may now be entering a new era of high joblessness, which could have dire consequences for recent and soon-to-be college grads.
-FiveThirtyEight has an excellent breakdown of the recent unemployment numbers
The Economist writes that Obama is spending even more on Defense than his predecessors
Monday, February 8, 2010
Even More Environmental Links
-Here's a fascinating presentation on one man's plan for society to adopt the electric car. Perhaps most notably, he calls for a network of locations where depleted batteries can be exchanged for fully charged ones (as opposed to finding somewhere to charge them).
-The latest consensus was that sea ice cover in the Arctic Ocean would disappear in about the year 2100. After a two-year study involving 370 scientists from 27 countries, the new estimate is that it will be gone by 2030 (see graph below).
-Here's a textbook example of NIMBYism in action: Obama and many others are supporting a wind farm off the coast of Massachusetts, but local residents don't want the windmills to spoil their view.
-Here's a blurb about the graph we discussed in class (not the hockey stick graph, the one displaying cost-effectiveness of various changes). The author is not happy that Obama is pushing for "clean coal" and biofuels -- two of the less cost-efficient reforms.
-The latest consensus was that sea ice cover in the Arctic Ocean would disappear in about the year 2100. After a two-year study involving 370 scientists from 27 countries, the new estimate is that it will be gone by 2030 (see graph below).
-Here's a textbook example of NIMBYism in action: Obama and many others are supporting a wind farm off the coast of Massachusetts, but local residents don't want the windmills to spoil their view.
-Here's a blurb about the graph we discussed in class (not the hockey stick graph, the one displaying cost-effectiveness of various changes). The author is not happy that Obama is pushing for "clean coal" and biofuels -- two of the less cost-efficient reforms.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Links 2-6-10
-In case you missed it, the unemployment rate dropped to 9.7% in January -- but the statistic is computed in such a way that it might not really be a good thing
-A coalition of liberal and conservative thinkers and pundits are pushing for the creation of "Question Time," an event similar to those held in the UK when the Prime Minister takes open questions from Parliament. Many are hoping that an open forum for communication might help break the partisan gridlock in Washington.
-The National Tea Party Convention is under way at Opryland. So far both the opening speaker, Tom Tancredo, and the conference organizer, Judson Phillips, agree that Obama is a "socialist". The Spokesman for the group, however, has tried to distance the group from those statements.
-Speaking to a group of Democrats, President Obama pledged not to back down on healthcare or financial reform. No word on his stance on Waxman-Markey.
-A coalition of liberal and conservative thinkers and pundits are pushing for the creation of "Question Time," an event similar to those held in the UK when the Prime Minister takes open questions from Parliament. Many are hoping that an open forum for communication might help break the partisan gridlock in Washington.
-The National Tea Party Convention is under way at Opryland. So far both the opening speaker, Tom Tancredo, and the conference organizer, Judson Phillips, agree that Obama is a "socialist". The Spokesman for the group, however, has tried to distance the group from those statements.
-Speaking to a group of Democrats, President Obama pledged not to back down on healthcare or financial reform. No word on his stance on Waxman-Markey.
Friday, February 5, 2010
More Environment Links 2-5-10
-The US govt is planning to reduce its own energy use
-A trio of Congresspeople (including two Democrats) have introduced legislation to block the EPA from regulating greenhouse gases; it advances a number of other policies that will help their agricultural districts as well.
-Here's a cool way to cut your energy usage: new "melting drywall" with small beads of wax in it has cut cooling costs by 20% in a trial.
-Expanded plans for nuclear energy is good news for some US companies, but they're increasingly losing out on bids to build plants in foreign countries
Required Reading:
-Ill Omens for Senate Climate Change Legislation
-San Fran's Ambitious Downtown Transit Plans
-Obama's Budget Axes Oil and Gas Subsidies
-U.S. Makes Play to Catch Up on High-Speed Rail
-High Hopes for Clean-Energy Jobs
-A trio of Congresspeople (including two Democrats) have introduced legislation to block the EPA from regulating greenhouse gases; it advances a number of other policies that will help their agricultural districts as well.
-Here's a cool way to cut your energy usage: new "melting drywall" with small beads of wax in it has cut cooling costs by 20% in a trial.
-Expanded plans for nuclear energy is good news for some US companies, but they're increasingly losing out on bids to build plants in foreign countries
Required Reading:
-Ill Omens for Senate Climate Change Legislation
-San Fran's Ambitious Downtown Transit Plans
-Obama's Budget Axes Oil and Gas Subsidies
-U.S. Makes Play to Catch Up on High-Speed Rail
-High Hopes for Clean-Energy Jobs
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Budget Links
-President Obama introduced the new budget yesterday.
-The Atlantic breaks down the winners and losers
-So does Politico
-here's a cool interactive graphic of the amounts that go to all different categories of expenditures
-The NY Times thinks that the mounting debt will shift America's place in the world and, eventually, shift our political climate
-Jon Stewart talks with White House Economist Austan Goolsbee, on "the day the budget drops." Goolsbee says some of the criticism of Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner has been unfair and that we have no choice but to run a deficit until we get out of the recession.
-The Atlantic breaks down the winners and losers
-So does Politico
-here's a cool interactive graphic of the amounts that go to all different categories of expenditures
-The NY Times thinks that the mounting debt will shift America's place in the world and, eventually, shift our political climate
-Jon Stewart talks with White House Economist Austan Goolsbee, on "the day the budget drops." Goolsbee says some of the criticism of Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner has been unfair and that we have no choice but to run a deficit until we get out of the recession.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Environment Links 2-1-10
-Obama's budget scraps subsidies of fossil fuels
-55 countries have set new 2020 carbon goals since the Copenhagen Summit
-The fastest growing form of transportation? The electric bike
-In the past, the Tennessee Valley Authority has had a spotty environmental record (take, for example, their construction project that threatened to send the Snail Darter to extinction (p. 73-74)). But they recently partnered with the state to attract a solar energy company to Knoxville
-55 countries have set new 2020 carbon goals since the Copenhagen Summit
-The fastest growing form of transportation? The electric bike
-In the past, the Tennessee Valley Authority has had a spotty environmental record (take, for example, their construction project that threatened to send the Snail Darter to extinction (p. 73-74)). But they recently partnered with the state to attract a solar energy company to Knoxville
Links 2-1-10
-The National Tea Party Convention starts this Thursday here in Nashville. Sarah Palin will be the keynote speaker.
-After a bevy of studies finding negative effects from abstinence-only sex education, a new study of 6th and 7th grade African-American students finds that fewer students in the class focused on telling kids to wait until they were ready to have sex became sexually active over the next two years than those enrolled in other classes.
-Secretary of Education Arne Duncan called up the Mayor New Orleans to explain why he said that Hurricane Katrina was "the best thing that happened to the education system" in the city. He emphasized the influx of new schools and teachers since Katrina and acknowledged that he understood the devastation that had taken place.
-The Atlantic breaks down the proposed changes to NCLB with a list of five ways that Obama's budget will change education policy
-newgeography argues that Obama is losing popularity b/c he's prioritizing urban areas over suburban ones
-After a bevy of studies finding negative effects from abstinence-only sex education, a new study of 6th and 7th grade African-American students finds that fewer students in the class focused on telling kids to wait until they were ready to have sex became sexually active over the next two years than those enrolled in other classes.
-Secretary of Education Arne Duncan called up the Mayor New Orleans to explain why he said that Hurricane Katrina was "the best thing that happened to the education system" in the city. He emphasized the influx of new schools and teachers since Katrina and acknowledged that he understood the devastation that had taken place.
-The Atlantic breaks down the proposed changes to NCLB with a list of five ways that Obama's budget will change education policy
-newgeography argues that Obama is losing popularity b/c he's prioritizing urban areas over suburban ones
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Links 1-31-10
-Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM) writes that the Senate needs to scrap 60 vote requirement to end a filibuster.
-The NY Times has a piece on China and alternative energy, reporting that China is now the largest maker of wind turbines and "seeks to dominate energy-equipment exports"
-CNN is reporting that the "focus of the health care bill may be changing" and has an excellent run-down of the scenarios for health care reform now that Scott Brown's victory in MA has given the Republicans 41 votes in the Senate.
-Obama is reportedly planning an overhaul of the "No Child Left Behind" education law, that would eliminate the goal of universal proficiency by 2014. The campaign for the changes will be led by Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.
-The Washington Post discusses Jon Stewart's Obama barbs
-The NY Times has a piece on China and alternative energy, reporting that China is now the largest maker of wind turbines and "seeks to dominate energy-equipment exports"
-CNN is reporting that the "focus of the health care bill may be changing" and has an excellent run-down of the scenarios for health care reform now that Scott Brown's victory in MA has given the Republicans 41 votes in the Senate.
-Obama is reportedly planning an overhaul of the "No Child Left Behind" education law, that would eliminate the goal of universal proficiency by 2014. The campaign for the changes will be led by Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.
-The Washington Post discusses Jon Stewart's Obama barbs
Friday, January 29, 2010
Links 1-29-10
-The initial economic reports for the 4th quarter of 2009 are out, and Obama probably wishes that he'd held the SOTU a couple days later. The economy grew at an annual rate of 5.7% from September-December -- the fastest growth in six years. It remains to be seen if the growth will continue once stimulus money starts to peter out in six months or so.
-Yesterday President Obama announced $8 billion in grants to begin the process of creating a national high-speed rail network. The largest single grant went to Tampa and Orlando, FL. TIME asks if high-speed rail's time has come.
-David Brooks writes that what the country needs is a "saner Ross Perot" as President. Which reminds me that none of you are old enough remember Ross Perot - and makes me feel ancient again. The article is both short an interesting, but his main point is that the country needs somebody independent and above the fray to come to Washington and unite both sides. He concludes with a message to Obama: "He’s out there — that saner Ross Perot. He’s a-comin’. The country would be better off if it were you."
-It's likely that Obama agrees, at least to some extent. He held a meeting with House Republicans this morning in which he told the Congressmen: "I want us to have a constructive debate . . . the only thing I don’t want – and here I am listening to the American people and I don’t think they want it either – is for Washington to keep being so Washington-like.” Since House members only have two-year terms, they tend to be the most responsive to the political environment -- and the most likely to be replaced if they aren't.
-Yesterday President Obama announced $8 billion in grants to begin the process of creating a national high-speed rail network. The largest single grant went to Tampa and Orlando, FL. TIME asks if high-speed rail's time has come.
-David Brooks writes that what the country needs is a "saner Ross Perot" as President. Which reminds me that none of you are old enough remember Ross Perot - and makes me feel ancient again. The article is both short an interesting, but his main point is that the country needs somebody independent and above the fray to come to Washington and unite both sides. He concludes with a message to Obama: "He’s out there — that saner Ross Perot. He’s a-comin’. The country would be better off if it were you."
-It's likely that Obama agrees, at least to some extent. He held a meeting with House Republicans this morning in which he told the Congressmen: "I want us to have a constructive debate . . . the only thing I don’t want – and here I am listening to the American people and I don’t think they want it either – is for Washington to keep being so Washington-like.” Since House members only have two-year terms, they tend to be the most responsive to the political environment -- and the most likely to be replaced if they aren't.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
State of the State of the Union
The world is still buzzing about tonight's big event . . . and, no, I'm not talking about Vandy's victory in Knoxville.
The State of the Union address (transcript) mixed lofty ideals with plain-spoken frankness, appeals to bipartisanship, some boring sections, and, of course, political maneuvering -- and managed to sprinkle in a fair amount of humor as well. Obama mostly emphasized past actions and future proposals with which centrists and conservatives would agree, including tax cuts and a proposed spending freeze. But he also spent time focusing on the partisan rancor in Washington, with his pointed remark that "we were sent here to serve our citizens, not our ambitions."
Now that the Republicans control 41 seats in the senate, the 57 Democrats and 2 Independents can't break a filibuster without at least one Republican vote. Rallying 60 votes to gain cloture has proven more and more difficult recently. As such, Obama turned to the Republican side of the aisle and intoned:
Here's a play-by-play of the speech, and here's a concise wrap-up.
Coverage from the:
NY Times
Wall St. Journal
CNN
The Economist
The State of the Union address (transcript) mixed lofty ideals with plain-spoken frankness, appeals to bipartisanship, some boring sections, and, of course, political maneuvering -- and managed to sprinkle in a fair amount of humor as well. Obama mostly emphasized past actions and future proposals with which centrists and conservatives would agree, including tax cuts and a proposed spending freeze. But he also spent time focusing on the partisan rancor in Washington, with his pointed remark that "we were sent here to serve our citizens, not our ambitions."
Now that the Republicans control 41 seats in the senate, the 57 Democrats and 2 Independents can't break a filibuster without at least one Republican vote. Rallying 60 votes to gain cloture has proven more and more difficult recently. As such, Obama turned to the Republican side of the aisle and intoned:
And if the Republican leadership is going to insist that 60 votes in the Senate are required to do any business at all in this town, a supermajority, then the responsibility to govern is now yours, as well. Just saying no to everything may be good short-term politics, but it's not leadership.
Here's a play-by-play of the speech, and here's a concise wrap-up.
Coverage from the:
NY Times
Wall St. Journal
CNN
The Economist
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Wrap-up and Links 1-26-10
-The big news today was that Obama will announce a spending freeze on non-military discretionary spending in tomorrow's state of the union tomorrow. The move seems to serve two purposes: 1.) start to reduce the size of the deficit, and 2.) placate conservatives who are calling, loudly, for a reduced deficit. The Economist's DiA blog is skeptical -- pointing out that the spending in question only accounts for 1/8 of the federal budget won't do much -- and goes on to argue the largest causes of the deficit are low taxes and high military spending (two items not affected by the spending freeze).
Conservatives don't seem too placated, with House minority leader John Boehner saying that "Given Washington Democrats' unprecedented spending binge, this is like announcing you're going on a diet after winning a pie-eating contest". And liberals are somewhere between skeptical and irate. Nate Silver writes that this is a gaffe on the same scale as John McCain's decision to suspend his campaign, and Paul Krugman writes that "it's appalling on every level ".
-Reaction to last week's supreme court decision overturning part of the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform continues to trickle in. The NY Times writes about John Paul Stevens' new-found outspokenness. The liberal judge joined with Sonia Sotomayor, Stephen Breyer, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg to oppose the expansion of the ability of corporations and unions to contribute to political campaigns. In his dissention opinion, Stephens said from the bench that the decision "represents a radical change in the law," and "is at war with the views of generations of Americans." Writing the majority decision was swing vote Anthony Kennedy, who voted along with the conservative wing of the court: Chief Justice John Roberts, Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, and Antonin Scalia. And here's the Daily Show's comical criticism of the decision.
-Tom Schaller writes that this is, indeed, a center-right nation - not because the population leans conservative, but because the structure of our government makes it difficult to enact liberal reforms.
-Here's a mildly interesting picture of what the U.S. would look like if it were divided into 50 states with equal populations (which would dramatically re-shape the electoral college and the senate).
Conservatives don't seem too placated, with House minority leader John Boehner saying that "Given Washington Democrats' unprecedented spending binge, this is like announcing you're going on a diet after winning a pie-eating contest". And liberals are somewhere between skeptical and irate. Nate Silver writes that this is a gaffe on the same scale as John McCain's decision to suspend his campaign, and Paul Krugman writes that "it's appalling on every level ".
-Reaction to last week's supreme court decision overturning part of the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform continues to trickle in. The NY Times writes about John Paul Stevens' new-found outspokenness. The liberal judge joined with Sonia Sotomayor, Stephen Breyer, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg to oppose the expansion of the ability of corporations and unions to contribute to political campaigns. In his dissention opinion, Stephens said from the bench that the decision "represents a radical change in the law," and "is at war with the views of generations of Americans." Writing the majority decision was swing vote Anthony Kennedy, who voted along with the conservative wing of the court: Chief Justice John Roberts, Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, and Antonin Scalia. And here's the Daily Show's comical criticism of the decision.
-Tom Schaller writes that this is, indeed, a center-right nation - not because the population leans conservative, but because the structure of our government makes it difficult to enact liberal reforms.
-Here's a mildly interesting picture of what the U.S. would look like if it were divided into 50 states with equal populations (which would dramatically re-shape the electoral college and the senate).
Monday, January 25, 2010
Links 1-25-10
-The Economist's Democracy in America blog writes about the lack of bipartisanship lately. FiveThirtyEight has a more detailed post on a similar topic: "Post-Partisanship Epic Fail?"
-CNN has begun a series on the stimulus: here's the kick-off
-Paul Krugman writes that he supposes that he'd prefer that Ben Bernanke remain as chairman of the Fed, but that there are other capable people who could do the job as well.
-The "Well" blog writes about schools that are switching their schedules so that kids first go play and then eat. Some schools claim that kids are eating healthier and taking less time to settle down after lunch.
-CNN has begun a series on the stimulus: here's the kick-off
-Paul Krugman writes that he supposes that he'd prefer that Ben Bernanke remain as chairman of the Fed, but that there are other capable people who could do the job as well.
-The "Well" blog writes about schools that are switching their schedules so that kids first go play and then eat. Some schools claim that kids are eating healthier and taking less time to settle down after lunch.
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