on PolicyMic
Justin Miller You're taking a lot of giant leaps on loose gravel. MINNESOTA? for Romney? Not a chance in hell. And the fact that you're making an argument based on an America Future Fund poll is even more delusional. Remember MN was the only state not to vote for Reagan and we haven't voted Republican in almost 10 pres. elections. And all of the swing states? That's not happening. Obama will get 300+, not Romney.
Justin Miller While charter schools offer an alternative, their innovation takes much longer to trickle down into the public school realm. I think a massive overhaul of education is in order if we want to have a seriously competitive and effective public school system. Investing in technology and new curriculum in ALL schools is necessary for this to happen. I think an in-depth look at how federal and state funding is allocated to schools should take place and be revamped.
Justin Miller While charter schools and vouchers may seem to be a good fix initially, there are many problems with it. They offer options to students that are in a disadvantaged educational situation, which is good, but they fail to address the huge problems in our national public school system. Overcrowding in well-off suburban schools results in crippling tensions between locals and those who are using vouchers to attend. It also leaves a vacuum of failure in the inner-city schools; lack of enrollment, funding, etc. Ignoring the problems of education that exists is not the solution.
Justin Miller Solid piece Philip. The powerful and wealthy have managed to find many convuluted loopholes that bypass any inconveniences created from campaign reform. Super PACs were the first step in the wrong direction, followed by Citizens United, and now this blatant disregard for law and morals. I agree with your statement that it is difficult to make any withstanding change to campaign finance w/ minor reform. It is just unfortunate that it will end up yet again on the taxpayer's tab if it shifts toward public financing (as I too think it should) , just because those with the money and power choose to not play by the rules.
Justin Miller Good question Martin. I absolutely think the government should do more to address this bulging crisis. But, unfortunately our current political climate is not in the mood to be giving federal government any sort of authority on the matter. Mandating real, healthy school lunches would be a start. Also getting rid of candy and pop vending machines in all schools.
Justin Miller Food production is actually a problem. While it may not be the reason for world starvation, it is something that is needs to be faced. Our current methods of food production may produce enough food, theoretically, for the world, but it is not sustainable. There are long-term problems that need to be looked at, other than world hunger, as well.
Justin Miller By no means does giving those that need extra attention mean they are not capable. But it is proven that full immersion into English classrooms for non-English speakers is entirely ineffective. Rather, I propose we revamp the system in a way that better accomodates a growing minority. And it is not to say American culture is not for them. It is to say that American culture and history is not just the white European settler's viewpoints, but rather the full sides and stories of our history.
Justin Miller The moment that the miltary took over control, the chance for democracy in Egypt was severely hindered. It is interesting to think how things would have been different if the military did not take over. Would a civil war have broke out? Would there have been a greater opportunity for Egyptians to come together? But, it happened and that means their will be a militaristic flavor in any sort of democracy that comes out of this.
Justin Miller Exactly! While it could be beneficial to the camp if used correctly, I can see it going downhill very quickly. While SuperPACs are taking accountability away from the candidates, these supporters could have the ability to do the exact same thing.
Justin Miller I agree Manar, it seems that they try so hard to make his background bland and conventional when in reality it is not. He was elected President in 2008 so clearly people are not as wary of the man as his campaigners are making it to be.
Justin Miller I believe that Russia's main motive is to become a large presence, diplomatically and militarily, in the Middle East. The Tartus naval base would definitely back that up. When I "safer strategic political ally" I mean that in an international sense, not within Syria itself. It is safer for them to be allies with Syria, diplomatically, if Assad steps down. I'm not saying this will happen, but I think it would be the best scenario for Syria.
Justin Miller Great article Tascha! While this is a step forward for politics in Mexico, many have said and I agree that this is more of a political stunt from the PAN. They may be banking on the compassion card that Vasquez Mota can pull while still putting a strong front up against the cartels. Interesting how her campaign has been heavily focused on cartel violence while Pena Nieto is polling better with his views on fixing poverty. Shows how prevalent and important the issue is even when cartel violence is so bad.
Justin Miller We like a little more character in our politicians. As far as Santorum, you got me. I knew Romney wasn't going to get it, but Santorum?? I thought Paul might have really had a chance here. Anyways, it could be the water. We do have plenty of it.
Justin Miller Seriously? I have to disagree. If anything, there needs to be term limits set up in congress and senate so there are no longer career politicians that live of the business of politics their entire lives, getting their paychecks from the taxpayers. Additionally, every time you here of a foreign government amending their constitution to extend or eliminate the presidential term limit, it seems to be a clear path towards dictatorship.
Justin Miller I live in MN, and especially here at the U of M there seems to be very strong support for Paul. Last I heard Santorum was surprisingly polling best here but I have a feeling students are going to make their voices heard in this caucus. Does not seem to be much enthusiasm otherwise in this blue state.
Justin Miller I wouldn't even say he is recreating the Occupy Movement since he has been setting up protests long before Occupy started. But yes I agree it is amazing what he has managed to do so far.
Justin Miller The cartels have no qualms about using violence ESPECIALLY against civilians because the government's widespread miltiary war against the cartels makes the cartels more violent. They need to show their dominance and authority, and have unfortunately been doing this through the killing of innocents. I say let the cartels go for now, they are too dangerous and too powerful. Fix the governmental and corruption problems first, then deal with the cartels.
Justin Miller If the government stops its violent campaign against the cartels, which so far has resulted in 40,000+ deaths, cartels will not so readily use violent tactics to display their power. For the time being, they would resume their trafficking, but leave the innocent people out of it. Through reforms within the system, plans can be made to oust the cartels out of power for good rather than using inefficent force that tries to extinguish the random acts of violence. Fix the problem from within, not from the exterior.
Justin Miller Well I appreciate that you realize a need for change, although I'm not suggesting the instant-runoff system is a all out savior for our country I think it is a step in a positive direction, even if it has obvious flaws. Maybe the whims of majority opinion are not such a bad alternative to the gridlock of congress and the increasing centralization of the presidency.
Justin Miller Check what day it is man. It is December 20th. The election is a little less than a year away, things can change. Polls aren't an all-telling prophecy.
Justin Miller You seem to lack a real understanding of where this country is headed as well Ron Paul's principles. He is the only person running that will at least try stop the country from throwing itself into a deep, dark hole.
Justin Miller Personally, I understand the whole reasoning behind this. Republicans are out of touch and Romney just showed it with this statement, yadayada. But, as much as I loathe the circus that the GOP nomination race has become I think these accusations are sensational and lazy. There are many reasons and times Romney has shown himself to be out of touch and a dangerous choice that would be more informative for the American people. The media, as usual, jumped all over this statement just like they jump all over every other minor aspect of the debates. Lets focus on the real issues that they are discussing, then we can realize how out of touch and insane the whole Republican field. I'm broke and I've bet friends millions of dollars to make a point.
Justin Miller Good point, maybe true democracy is too strong of a statement. What I was getting at is that reforming the electoral process would create a more vibrant democracy in which there is a higher and more enthusiastic voter turnout. Giving voters more of a direct access to the "stuff" that affects them seems like a better option than the impenetrable bubble of power and corruption that has developed in D.C. Tyranny of the powerful minority is not ta republic that I pledge allegiance to.
Justin Miller This is not surprising given the future that kids get to look forward to these days. Just smokin a doobie to take the edge off.
Justin Miller Interesting article. It is good that some American people finally seem to be waking up to the fact that the political system is rigged and the Presidential Election is a very undemocratic process. The idea that we have a great democracy because we choose our leader is a shallow one. Our "democratic choice" has been diminished to settling for a candidate that is not as bad as the other. This "I suppose this will do" mentality is crippling our country and it needs to change. It's ironic that we are so spoiled with choices in every aspect of our society except politics, and those that pull the strings of our government leave us with two bland choices that are never good for THE PEOPLE.
on PolicyMic
Justin Miller You're taking a lot of giant leaps on loose gravel. MINNESOTA? for Romney? Not a chance in hell. And the fact that you're making an argument based on an America Future Fund poll is even more delusional. Remember MN was the only state not to vote for Reagan and we haven't voted Republican in almost 10 pres. elections. And all of the swing states? That's not happening. Obama will get 300+, not Romney.
Justin Miller While charter schools offer an alternative, their innovation takes much longer to trickle down into the public school realm. I think a massive overhaul of education is in order if we want to have a seriously competitive and effective public school system. Investing in technology and new curriculum in ALL schools is necessary for this to happen. I think an in-depth look at how federal and state funding is allocated to schools should take place and be revamped.
Justin Miller While charter schools and vouchers may seem to be a good fix initially, there are many problems with it. They offer options to students that are in a disadvantaged educational situation, which is good, but they fail to address the huge problems in our national public school system. Overcrowding in well-off suburban schools results in crippling tensions between locals and those who are using vouchers to attend. It also leaves a vacuum of failure in the inner-city schools; lack of enrollment, funding, etc. Ignoring the problems of education that exists is not the solution.
Justin Miller Solid piece Philip. The powerful and wealthy have managed to find many convuluted loopholes that bypass any inconveniences created from campaign reform. Super PACs were the first step in the wrong direction, followed by Citizens United, and now this blatant disregard for law and morals. I agree with your statement that it is difficult to make any withstanding change to campaign finance w/ minor reform. It is just unfortunate that it will end up yet again on the taxpayer's tab if it shifts toward public financing (as I too think it should) , just because those with the money and power choose to not play by the rules.
Justin Miller Good question Martin. I absolutely think the government should do more to address this bulging crisis. But, unfortunately our current political climate is not in the mood to be giving federal government any sort of authority on the matter. Mandating real, healthy school lunches would be a start. Also getting rid of candy and pop vending machines in all schools.
Justin Miller Food production is actually a problem. While it may not be the reason for world starvation, it is something that is needs to be faced. Our current methods of food production may produce enough food, theoretically, for the world, but it is not sustainable. There are long-term problems that need to be looked at, other than world hunger, as well.
Justin Miller By no means does giving those that need extra attention mean they are not capable. But it is proven that full immersion into English classrooms for non-English speakers is entirely ineffective. Rather, I propose we revamp the system in a way that better accomodates a growing minority. And it is not to say American culture is not for them. It is to say that American culture and history is not just the white European settler's viewpoints, but rather the full sides and stories of our history.
Justin Miller The moment that the miltary took over control, the chance for democracy in Egypt was severely hindered. It is interesting to think how things would have been different if the military did not take over. Would a civil war have broke out? Would there have been a greater opportunity for Egyptians to come together? But, it happened and that means their will be a militaristic flavor in any sort of democracy that comes out of this.
Justin Miller Exactly! While it could be beneficial to the camp if used correctly, I can see it going downhill very quickly. While SuperPACs are taking accountability away from the candidates, these supporters could have the ability to do the exact same thing.
Justin Miller I agree Manar, it seems that they try so hard to make his background bland and conventional when in reality it is not. He was elected President in 2008 so clearly people are not as wary of the man as his campaigners are making it to be.
Justin Miller I believe that Russia's main motive is to become a large presence, diplomatically and militarily, in the Middle East. The Tartus naval base would definitely back that up. When I "safer strategic political ally" I mean that in an international sense, not within Syria itself. It is safer for them to be allies with Syria, diplomatically, if Assad steps down. I'm not saying this will happen, but I think it would be the best scenario for Syria.
Justin Miller Great article Tascha! While this is a step forward for politics in Mexico, many have said and I agree that this is more of a political stunt from the PAN. They may be banking on the compassion card that Vasquez Mota can pull while still putting a strong front up against the cartels. Interesting how her campaign has been heavily focused on cartel violence while Pena Nieto is polling better with his views on fixing poverty. Shows how prevalent and important the issue is even when cartel violence is so bad.
Justin Miller We like a little more character in our politicians. As far as Santorum, you got me. I knew Romney wasn't going to get it, but Santorum?? I thought Paul might have really had a chance here. Anyways, it could be the water. We do have plenty of it.
Justin Miller Seriously? I have to disagree. If anything, there needs to be term limits set up in congress and senate so there are no longer career politicians that live of the business of politics their entire lives, getting their paychecks from the taxpayers. Additionally, every time you here of a foreign government amending their constitution to extend or eliminate the presidential term limit, it seems to be a clear path towards dictatorship.
Justin Miller I live in MN, and especially here at the U of M there seems to be very strong support for Paul. Last I heard Santorum was surprisingly polling best here but I have a feeling students are going to make their voices heard in this caucus. Does not seem to be much enthusiasm otherwise in this blue state.
Justin Miller I wouldn't even say he is recreating the Occupy Movement since he has been setting up protests long before Occupy started. But yes I agree it is amazing what he has managed to do so far.
Justin Miller The cartels have no qualms about using violence ESPECIALLY against civilians because the government's widespread miltiary war against the cartels makes the cartels more violent. They need to show their dominance and authority, and have unfortunately been doing this through the killing of innocents. I say let the cartels go for now, they are too dangerous and too powerful. Fix the governmental and corruption problems first, then deal with the cartels.
Justin Miller If the government stops its violent campaign against the cartels, which so far has resulted in 40,000+ deaths, cartels will not so readily use violent tactics to display their power. For the time being, they would resume their trafficking, but leave the innocent people out of it. Through reforms within the system, plans can be made to oust the cartels out of power for good rather than using inefficent force that tries to extinguish the random acts of violence. Fix the problem from within, not from the exterior.
Justin Miller Well I appreciate that you realize a need for change, although I'm not suggesting the instant-runoff system is a all out savior for our country I think it is a step in a positive direction, even if it has obvious flaws. Maybe the whims of majority opinion are not such a bad alternative to the gridlock of congress and the increasing centralization of the presidency.
Justin Miller Check what day it is man. It is December 20th. The election is a little less than a year away, things can change. Polls aren't an all-telling prophecy.
Justin Miller You seem to lack a real understanding of where this country is headed as well Ron Paul's principles. He is the only person running that will at least try stop the country from throwing itself into a deep, dark hole.
Justin Miller Personally, I understand the whole reasoning behind this. Republicans are out of touch and Romney just showed it with this statement, yadayada. But, as much as I loathe the circus that the GOP nomination race has become I think these accusations are sensational and lazy. There are many reasons and times Romney has shown himself to be out of touch and a dangerous choice that would be more informative for the American people. The media, as usual, jumped all over this statement just like they jump all over every other minor aspect of the debates. Lets focus on the real issues that they are discussing, then we can realize how out of touch and insane the whole Republican field. I'm broke and I've bet friends millions of dollars to make a point.
Justin Miller Good point, maybe true democracy is too strong of a statement. What I was getting at is that reforming the electoral process would create a more vibrant democracy in which there is a higher and more enthusiastic voter turnout. Giving voters more of a direct access to the "stuff" that affects them seems like a better option than the impenetrable bubble of power and corruption that has developed in D.C. Tyranny of the powerful minority is not ta republic that I pledge allegiance to.
Justin Miller This is not surprising given the future that kids get to look forward to these days. Just smokin a doobie to take the edge off.
Justin Miller Interesting article. It is good that some American people finally seem to be waking up to the fact that the political system is rigged and the Presidential Election is a very undemocratic process. The idea that we have a great democracy because we choose our leader is a shallow one. Our "democratic choice" has been diminished to settling for a candidate that is not as bad as the other. This "I suppose this will do" mentality is crippling our country and it needs to change. It's ironic that we are so spoiled with choices in every aspect of our society except politics, and those that pull the strings of our government leave us with two bland choices that are never good for THE PEOPLE.