Based on our discussions in class and the resources listed, respond to one of the following set of questions in no less than 150 words:
1. President Obama's approval rating has slipped from a record high of 73% to a historic low of 43%. Many believe this drop in popularity is a result of his economic policies--in particular, his stance on ending the Bush tax cuts. Read the following article http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/09/13/obama.economy/index.html and respond to these questions:
Should Obama push Congress to end the Bush tax cuts? According to the article, what are some of the costs and benefits of doing so? Why would ending the tax cuts hurt Obama's approval rating? Overall, how would you rate Obama's performance so far as president? Explain your rating.
2. Right now the country of Mexico is facing serious security problem in what basically amounts to what some call a drug war. Thousands of people have died in the violence and Mexico's President Felipe Calderon cites the United States' demand for drugs and large gun industry for contributing to the problem. Some believe that the United States should do more to address problem by more actively discouraging drug use and by limiting the production and purchase of firearms. Some have even suggested even more radical solutions such as the use of US combat troops to help police the border and/or the legalization and regulation of certain illegal drugs. Read the following article http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/09/11/mexico.president.interview/index.html?iref=allsearch and respond to these questions:
Is the Unites States partially responsible for the drug violence in Mexico? Why or why not? What (if any) methods (see above) do you think the United States should undertake to help stop the violence? Why do you think these methods would be successful?
I believe that the US is partially responsible for the drug violence in Mexico. I feel that the US would not have such a great involvement on this so called “drug war” if the government stuck to the problems that the US is facing instead of someone else’s.
ReplyDeleteThe production of firearms should be restrained to a certain extent where only government police and other important government people are allowed to possess them.
But on the other hand, yea sure, we are the largest drug consumers and so what? We cant help is that were drug addicts, there’s no need to point fingers. If the president were to blame the United States for the lack of combated troops it would technically be the Mexican governments fault for not handling the problem themselves. And if we did try to handle it ourselves we would be blamed for shooting down border jumper. I say that we keep doing what were doing now and if we were to be blamed then the government should propose that the Mexican government try to handle their own people.
-Bridgette Valenzuela
1. I feel that the United States is said to be partially responsible for the Border Drug war in Mexico because the United States produces the guns that have killed 23,000 people. President Felipe Calderon says that Mexico is between a country that produces and sells drugs and a country that produces/sells weapons. He said it's partially our fault for doing so.
ReplyDelete2. I believe that if we didn't produce guns this probably wouldn't have resulted the way it did. If we didn't have any guns, criminals probably wouldn't have gained access to many other firearms that were banned to them before. I also think that we should have no drug policies at all. It is only harming our country. We should learn to keep track of the policies we have because the ones we have now seem to be putting Mexico in a terrible state. According to president Felipe Calderon, Mexicans are being tempted to buy the drugs.
3. These methods would be successful because not only would we help other countries by doing so, we would also be helping ourselves.
I do think that the United States is partially responsible for the Drug Wars that went on in Mexico. During this war 80% of the weapons used were from the United States, these weapons were used to kill more then 23,000 people. Of course I think the United States should step in and help Mexico at this time because if it weren’t for us many of these murders wouldn’t have occurred. If the United States kept track and was careful of who purchased these firearms some of these problems wouldn’t have happened. The government of Mexico clearly doesn’t have a good handle on the people and I think the United States should step in and help them out to solve this issue and save some lives. I think that it is time for the United States to start discouraging drug abuse and limit the production of firearms. Many citizens of the United States look up to the celebrities and the government if we start by stopping many famous people who suffer from drug abuse we can slowly have an influence on society. If the celebrities stopped glamorizing drug abuse a large amount of our citizens would probably seek rehab or other ways to help themselves.
ReplyDelete-Chrysanthe Thomatos
I disagree Bridgette. I don't believe the whole United States as a nation is partially responsible for the drug violence in Mexico. Sure, we create guns but that also pushes as safety. Primarily in the article, they say criminals. The criminals are the ones who create these problems with drugs and the border violence. These criminals are the same people are coming up with new and even crazier schemes to come into our country illegally. The Mexican government can steer their people in the right direction. Just because they are by a country who makes guns doesn't mean they have to consume them. It's like saying, the man was by the edge of the bridge.. So, I pushed him.
ReplyDeleteThe United States should just try to keep up with patrolling. Whatever it maybe. More people, and more force. Whatever takes for everyone to be put in check. Maybe, they should call the Army and some type of combat team. Things won't get done if both of the sides don't work together. However, when it comes down to it. Both countries should stick to their own affairs after this and better the lives of their people. When people get into others affairs, it usually doesn't turn out good.
* Editor's Note - I messed up last time. :(
Sorry Mr. Mengani, I forgot to respond before so I will now:)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Bridgette when she Says that our government should stick to our own problems. Things would be less complicated this way. I also agree to where she says that we shouldn't be used as an example for their actions as well because every country has a different way of sealing with a situation.
If Obama has the best interests of the country in mind, he would not end the Bush tax cuts. The people of our nation are in a serious economic low. If the Bush tax cuts are ended, taxes will evidently go up and hurt our economy more. Although, Obama clearly knows that the U.S. can not afford to continue the tax cuts, his job as president, should be to find a medium.
ReplyDeleteIf Obama pushed Congress to end the Bush tax cuts, it would cost the nation $700 billion dollars. Democratic congress leaders and Obama believe that tax relief should be given to people making $250,000 or less.
Ending the tax cuts would hurt Obama's approval rating more than it already is. He is walking on thin ice for many problems that are not his own. Ending the tax cuts would financially hurt a lot of people. He was elected president in hopes of bringing change, and people are still in the same situations they were previously from his election.
I would rate Obama's performance, in hopes of him continuing the tax cuts, as a 5 out of 10. I don't feel he has done as much as he has promised to as of yet, but I still believe he can make the U.S. a positive nation. I feel that he has a lot on his plate right now coming into office at such a fragile time, but now it is time to step up and take the responsibility as a leader and make the right choices.
~I do agree with the fact that the US is partially responsible for the drug wars that went on in mexico, just for the simple fact that were do you think the american's are getting the drugs from and where do you think the mexicans are getting the weapons from? Well if you havent figured it out,they both got these things from each from each other. threw each the other's border.
ReplyDelete~ I feel as not only the US but also Mexico should undertake the responsbilty of what is going on and to put a stop to this. The US side and the Mexican side should have the proper security to secure these illegal substances and weapons from both borders.In order to stop this madness.
~ I feel as these methods would be most succesful in ways that it would help the drug war to an end and the weapons to end as well. It will save the dealth of many due to trying to trade and to hop over the border increasingly. By both Mexico and the US taking a stand it will benefit everyone in such ways.
~Desirae La Furno 9/13/10
I think we have something to do with the conflict in mexico, but meanwhile the mexicans are the ones who are contributing to the buying and selling of drugs and weapons throughout the countries. I think that the troops should recieve better training agianst the drug trade and everyone trying to smuggle everything over the borders by using our army as a crutch when things get super bad. Mexico obviously isnt using there training to the extent they should be. the borders should be constantly monitered by people who know what there doing. The drug and gun trade has dominated and people have to learn to stop being so oblivious to the borders."We live next to the world's largest drug consumer, and all the world wants to sell them drugs through our door and our window. And we live next to the world's largest arms seller, which is supplying the criminals," Well your people are buying,selling, and making these drugs and guns too, so whos at fault now ?
ReplyDeleteI agree with chrissy the US should be more concious if who there buying and selling guns too and keep better records.
Kaity Cusanelli
To me the U.S is partically responsible for the drug war in Mexico because if we didn't produce guns or rather had a better control over who has/can get access to these guns then maybe this wuddnt have gone down the way that it did. In this war majority of the guns that were used had resulted in the 23,000 lives that had been taken. There should be a major restriction on the access to guns because for some getting access is just as easy as cutting a slice of pie. But then again in an opposing side Mexico should be able go have some control over it's own people Because if they can't control them how do they expect someone else to do so?
ReplyDeleteAlso I agree with Chrysanthe wen she says that the US should start to discourage the use of drugs & that if we get celebrities to reduce the high praise of drugs in music or videos and show that they aren't all that it seems to be then it would help to make alotta people better and want to help themselves as well ad others who struggle to see the devastating downfall drugs can bring.
- Alyse Green
I feel that Obama and Congress should not end the bush tax because it will be a lot of extra money that we the people are going to have to come up with which means more taxes in bad times that we are in right now. According to the article some feel that by cutting bush tax we are add to the debt and the burden of government also up employment is up people are not happy with things and adding more taxes will make things worse. Overall I feel that Obama is doing a poor job but he can do better if he wasn’t taking on so much at ones and making all these promises. He acts like he know how to fix everything but he doesn’t and he needs to slow down!I do feel that the United States is partially responsible for the Drug Wars that is going on in Mexico. 80% of the weapons are imported from the US into Mexico. I do think that the US should step in and help but up to a limit. We are stronger government like Chrissy said we should help out as much as we can. I also feel that we should work together with the Mexican government to put an end to this war because its going back forth.
ReplyDeleteNo, I don’t think Obama should push Congress to end the Bush tax cuts because America is still recovering from the economic crisis. According to the article, the costs of doing so would be that the economy will further be weakened and the loss of popularity from the democratic party. The article also suggests that a benefit from doing so would be saving federal money. Ending the tax cuts would hurt Obama’s approval rating because the economy is still weak and many people won’t be able to afford a raise in taxes. I think Obama has done a good job so far as president because when he came into power the economy was already weak and the country had many issues, like the war in Iraq, and he has tried his best to remedy these situations. However, it’s going to take time to see any results because when he took office the country was already in bad shape. I agree with Amanda in that it's time Obama starts acting upon the promises he made during his campaign.
ReplyDeleteMariela Ortiz (period 3)
I feel that the Unites States is partially responsible, maybe even less than partially responsible for the drug war in Mexico because this is where Mexico is getting their supplies, but I don't feel that it's the United State's responsibility to solve this problem entirely. Of course everyone expects the United States to come to the rescue. The Mexican president complains that due to lack of restraint of drugs and armor in the US his country is suffering, but knowing that you live next to the “world’s largest drug consumer” and the “world’s largest arm seller” shouldn't you have some control over your people as well? I feel the Mexican president is being hypocritical in that statement. This drug war is happening in Mexico I don't see how the United states ties in, yes I understand that this is where they are getting their supplies but what does it matter where they’re getting their supplies it's what they’re doing with these supplies that matters and that certainly has nothing to do with the United States. I feel that the Unites States should do something to help decrease violence in Mexico like agreeing with Chrissy to start discouraging drug abuse and limit the production of firearms, because in turn this will also help our society, but definitely not to send troops to protect and fight this 'war' for Mexico. So yes I feel that the United States should do something because this is where Mexico is getting they’re supplies but to an extent because the US is not entirely responsible. I feel like Mexico is just looking for someone to blame.
ReplyDelete-Katelyn DiSalvo
1.) Due to the fact of our country seriously being in a huge economic crash and will be for a while in our future I think in his best interest and ours he should not end the tax cuts. Yes, I personally don’t think it makes a big difference to someone who makes $250,000 a year but in the future the value of a dollar may go up, as well as our generation is getting hit the most and because economically we are not okay it will be harder for us and their won’t be too many people who can afford to pay extra taxes, plus its not their fault for the government mistakes.
ReplyDeleteWhen Obama first got elected everyone saw his as a money and insurance & education savior. We saw what kind of mess we were in and hope with his “great plans” we can hopefully not stay in debt for as long as predicted, and so forth and so on. Now if he cuts the tax cuts people would in a way be in a deeper hole. Not only that but its not fair for the hard working to have to pay for the countries mistakes. My personal opinion is that bush should give whatever money he made to the country because all he did was mess everything up. It still is early in Obamas term to make a change and I do believe he can if he really wants to, he came into this job knowing what to expect as we all did, and now he should just do his job.
2.) I believe united states is in a way responsible for the drug wars that occurred in Mexico, because if they did not produce that 80% of weapons which were used in the war then I don’t think mexico would have been so confident. What I do believe also is that United States should stop believing their superman and mind their own business because in the end it is on our plate not anyone elses, we are called ‘America’ not ‘World rulers’ therefore we should only mind the business of our own country.
Producing weapons on the other hand also is like saying china is responsible for everything they give us and the way we use it. Not true its just a business they cannot control the way we use the things we produce.
- Georgina
PRD 3
I do believe that the United States is partially involved for the drug violence in Mexico. If the United States was more conscious of the access of guns and other weapons that they sell to people, maybe things like the things happening in Mexico, wouldn't be happening at all. The president of Mexico states that, "We live next to the world's largest drug consumer, and all the world wants to sell them drugs through our door and our window. And we live next to the world's largest arms seller, which is supplying the criminals," He might be right about Mexico living next to the worlds largest drug consumer, but it is HIS people that are making their way across the border to smuggle, buy, and sell these things, so who's job is it really to make it stop? If you can't control your own people, then havoc like this can occur.
ReplyDeleteI think that the United States should train their troops at the border to better suspect occurrences of smuggling. If the troops are more aware of the fact of what's happening in Mexico, I am sure they will try their best to crack down on smugglers. Also, I think that the United States should keep better track records on whoever purchases weapons, especially if purchased close to the border. Papers should be filled out, names should be given, and acts such as these should be taken.
I believe these methods would be successful because if we take more actions and measurements on people who buy weapons outside the border, we can track down those specific people if it is given to the wrong hands, or using a whole new safety type process while buying a weapon can slowly stop the violence and smuggling.
-Chelsea Rosario PD3
I believe that President Obama should not put an end to Bush's tax cuts. It seems Obama is searching for funds to his excessive infrastructure plans. If taxes are to be raised this will not sit well with American citizens. The raised taxes will destroy the economy of America even further. It is with these policies along with lack of accountability from the President which have brought such historic lows of 43%. He blames the lack of change on the Republicans saying it is because of their closeminded views which restrict his effects on change. I refute this due to the fact that the majority of his senate and congress are Democrats. These "Blue Dog Democrats" seem to be the ones at blame not Republicans. If Obama is going to raise these approval rates I believe he is going to have to take some responsibility for his actions and bring about the positive change he emphasized during his campaign.
ReplyDeletePresident Obama should not push Congress to end the Bush tax cuts because it would be counterproductive for the economy. The fact that Obama has plans to initiate all these new bills to create jobs and restore the economy is a good start but the major factor is money. Yes, the taxes would generate 700 billion dollars short term but the fact is that in the long term, there is less money to go around in the end. According to the IRS, the bottom 50% of income earners pay about 4% of all income taxes while the top 25% pay for nearly 83% of all income taxes. The rich are the ones who invest in the economy; they are the ones who have the power to stimulate the economy. With a bigger tax, there is less money to invest, less money to go around and the economy will ultimately fail again. Obama’s tax on the wealthy will not bring us out of the recession. The better solution is to continue the tax cuts until 2016 but with sanctions that the rich has to invest in American companies. American companies will then have more money, therefore more growth, and as a result, more jobs stimulating our economy successfully.
ReplyDeleteAccording the article, the only benefit is that the new tax will generate 700 billion for Obama to fund his plethora of new bills while the downside for Obama is that he will lose the favor of the rich, lose his campaign funds which also come from the rich, and the result will be reduced investing from the rich because they will have less money.
Ending the tax cuts will hurt Obama’s approval rating because for one, now just isn’t the best time to raise taxes on anybody but instead he should cut taxes. Secondly he seems petty because at this time when the economy is still in a recession and is still slow to recover, raising taxes just seems like a case of “too little, too late” on Obama’s part. If I were to rate Obama’s performance out of a 10 with a 10 being the highest, I would give him a 5. The fact that he got the health care reform bill passed was a plus and the fact that he “officially” ended the Iraqi War is also a plus but on the other hand, not all of our troops are home, there is violence along the Mexican border, and our economy lags behind the rest of the world. Our competition in exports which are the Asian countries are doing very well while the US economy is still down in all cases. Collectively, Obama deserves a 5 for his current running of affairs in the United States of America.
-Frank Zhao
I belive obama shouldn't push congress to end the Bush tax cuts, because now is the best time The economy is not in best condicions and if this was to happen it could be more economic problems because texes will go up. Overall i think Obama has done an okay job,He has alot to think about and do because his deccisions do affect the united states, but at the same time he has not help the united states as much as people though he would, in my opinion i think he needs to slow down and stop making so many promises he hasen't even accomplished yet.
ReplyDeleteI do think the United States is responsible for the Drug Wars that were held in Mexico. This war used 80% of the weapons from the United States, and these weapons killed more then 23,000 people. I belive that the United States should help Mexico that way the US Army can help safe more lifes. These mathods will be sucessfull because the united states should be able to control who they sale the weapons to that way there can be less violence, I also think the goverment from mexico needs to take responsibility as a leader and make the right decissions. I agree with Amanda and Natalie and its time for Obama to make some good changes.
Gisselle Bonilla
I think the United States is responsible in certain ways for this drug war with Mexico, mainly because they are saying how they have this problem, and they want to address it a better way;but yet the U.S is still not doing anything about it. It seems like the U.S is inviting Mexico in for reasons such as getting more drugs that supposedly the U.S needs. Mexico is doing a better job with trying to cooperate and comprosmise the situation. The U.S should take methods such as regulating more of the illegal drugs that are coming in, since they see that it is happening. I also believe limiting the firearm usage would help a great deal, promoting less violence. These methods would help, because having a clear number or answer to the drugs coming in and out of the U.S, is going to help calm the situation more and most likely have Mexico and the U.S at better terms. Plus the violence would go down if the firearms aren't used every time a conflict flares up.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Bridgette said about how the U.S government should stick to their own problems, because sometimes we can get too involved and just cause more trouble.
Anastasia Papis pd 5
If the United States does have a high demand for drugs and weapons then I think it does influence Mexico because every country influences each other in different ways. I agree with Bridgette when a country’s concern should be focused on its own problems before it can help other country’s problem. Perhaps if the US discourages the use of drugs and limit the production and purchase of firearms by getting stricter with the use of it, it could help stop the violence. I think it would be successful because it would diminish the influence we have on Mexico about the drugs and weapons.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI agree with CeCe. I don't think that the United States as a nation is responsible for the drug violence in Mexico. We create guns but mostly for safety. Criminals are the ones who create these problems with drugs and violence at the border. These same criminals are the same people that come up with crazy schemes to get into our country illegally.
ReplyDeleteThe United States should just try to keep up with patrolling by adding army and maybe a combat team to add more force.
Eirene Skocos
Obama and Congress should not end the bush tax because alot of money is going to becoming out of our pockets when the timing is bad as well because were going though a bad economy so paying more taxes isnt going to help. According to the article, the costs of doing so would be that the economy will go down and democratic party loss respect. Ending the tax cuts would hurt Obama’s approval rating because the economy is very low and many people won’t be able to afford a raise in taxes. I think Obama has done a good job so far as president because when he came into power the economy was already in bad shape and the country had many issues, he gave us hope for a better country and were expecting so much from him when we have to understand he has a lot o his plate but that isnt and excuse to brake his promises and let our hopes down. I agree with Gisselle
ReplyDeleteI disagree with Kristina and Bridgette on their opinion to heavily ban weapons or in this case guns. The right the bear arms is deeply rooted in American culture (Second Amendment to the United States Constitution.) And because the NRA is such a huge lobby in Washington DC, the fact that Obama would even suggest such an idea would cause a huge uproar, one he cannot afford to deal with right now. Although I do agree with Bridgette on the subject of US involvement in Mexican affairs. It's true that we are a leading world power but it is not the president's job to meddle with the affairs of a country with a capable and adequate president who can and should deal with this issue by himself. If anything, the most that Obama should offer is more control on the US side of the border and financial aid if needed and that is all. Because we have unresolved conflicts in the Middle East, there is no reason that Obama should take pile more things on his plate which is already full. Because at the end of the day, its still the US who still needs more attention.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Obama should push for the tax cuts to be ended. The economy is still weak at the moment so extending would benefit the country. Rasing taxes on the wealthy only contradicts our views on equality. The costs of doing so is democratic party will lose support and the economy will become weaker. A benefit from doing so is that the government will be saving money. If Obama ends the tax cuts his approval rating will be affected negatively. A lot of people will not have the money to pay the raise in taxes. I think Obama is doing a good job as president because when he came into office our country wasnt in good shape. He has been trying his best, but we need to give him time to achieve his goals. I agree with frank because Obama’s tax on the wealthy will not bring us out of the recession.
ReplyDeleteEleni Danginis
I think the United States is responsible for this drug war with Mexico. this war used 80% of the weapons from the United States, and these weapons killed more then 23,000 people. Mexico is getting their supplies, but I don't feel that it's the United State's responsibility to solve this problem entirely. As well Mexico is doing a better job with trying to cooperate about the situation. I feel that obama is doing a poor job in being president, because he feels like hes able to fix our economy. He thinks that he can handle at all of the problems, but he needs to slow himself down.
ReplyDelete-ariana medunjanin
1. a. I think that President Obama should push to have the Bush Tax extended because, one, there has just been another tax increase, and two, because we are still trying to stabilize the economy and adding more taxes is not the answer nor is it going to help in this situation.
ReplyDeleteb. President Obama stated that "We just can't afford it." The disadvantage of pushing forward with the end of the Bush Tax cuts would be the huge amount of money that people don't have. This amount is 700 billion dollars. The advantage to this would be a 12 billion dollar tax relief for small businesses.
c. It would hurt Obama's approval rating because the tax cut is ending under his watch and people will assume that we are being tax even more because Obama is making the decsion.
d. I do not think that he is a good president because he hasn't done much for us. Think of it this way, everyone was celebrating that he was in office for one year, he did absolutly nothing to benifit us in any way. I feel that the only thing he is focusing on are the taxes. When he was elected into office, I figure "Okay, maybe he'll be a good president." So I gave him some rope, a lot of rope, and he is now hanging all of us with it.
2.a. I think that the U.S. is absolutly responsible for thw drug war in Mexico because all of the guns that the Mexicans are using, are made in America and also American public is the buyer for all these drugs so we have the demand for the drugs, and Mexico is our source of these drugs.
b. I see two things that America can do in order to stop this war. One, is gun control because the Mexicans are using American made weapons. And two, the government should start cracking down on the use if drugs.
c. Without the use of drugs, there is no need for them and without the weapons there can not be any war.
Richard Panio 4:32 9/14/10
Yes Obama should push the congress to end the bush tax cuts because 7 Billion is too much money for a nation to be spending when we are facing an economic recovery. Although I agree that tax cuts should be extended to everyone no matter how wealthy or poor you are. Some of the costs of doing so would be failure to restore jobs and one benefit from extending tax cuts is that it would strengthen the economy on money issues and spending. I would say ending the tax cut would hurt Obama’s approval rating because every person on the reelection committee is all for extending the tax cut except for him. I do not think Obama is a good president because for one thing a lot of people want to impeach him and secondly he hasn't done much to improve the U.S.
ReplyDeleteSarah han
I think President Obama should push to EXTEND the bush tax cuts, In doing so he will save money in the long run. In the article he states that the country cannot afford it, maybe he should stop using it on building new train stations that connect trains that are 2 or 3 blocks away, what happened to walking?, this is why obesity levels are so great in this country. These new buildings are costing millions,which could be used to fund the tax cuts. Cutting this off would upset many Americans, and it is also one of the good things Bush achieved for this country. He needs to slow down and sop making such rapid decisions that will hurt this country and the people in it. i agree with Richard.
ReplyDelete-Denesh T.
I agree with Bridgette, I say that its also the US fault because we are also sharing those drugs with the Mexicans. We are also selling them or own fire arms and we should just stop selling it to them. This will help us because not that many people will dir anymore. The Mexican president should just control his own people because if we start to get involved with this problem it can turn into a huge fight & no one wants that to happen.
ReplyDeleteChristopher Caraballo
I believe that the U.s. and Mexico must work together to stop the flow of drugs through Mexico which leads to the violence between the Mexican drug cartels. Being the neighbor of the world's largest drug consumer and exporter of weapons puts Mexico in a very difficult position. The removal of the ban on assault weapons is just one of the many serious mistakes made by the Bush administration. This made it more difficult for the authorities in Mexico to fight the drug cartels. Many believe the war on drugs to be a complete waste of money. Lowering drug consumption in the U. S. would obviously help Mexico with her problems but this is not easy to do. The legalization of marijuana is one possible answer. This would take much of the nprofit motive out of the hands of the criminal element in both countries. In any case, the U. S. and Mexico must work together to solve our interrelated problems of drugs and violence.
ReplyDeleteI think that the US is some what responsible for the drug war in Mexico. They are having a lot of problems with the border and that they are selling these drugs for money and they are killing people because there is such a high demand for drugs in the US. The US is selling the drugs and they are supplying mexico with guns and which they are using to kill people and it is causing a lot of problems. Also that this is the world’s largest drug consumer and that they live next to the world’s largest arms sellers which is supplying the criminals. The Mexican president stated in his speech. I think that the US should watch how much of the drugs are coming in to the US and also that they need to limit the firearms that are being brought over to Mexico. I agree with Anastasia because like she says to limit the firearm usage and it would help a lot and it would lower the amount of deaths that are going on. There are too many people that are being killed over there for no reason.
ReplyDeleteErin O’Driscoll
Pd 5
I believe that the u.s and Mexico must work together to stop the flow of drugs in Mexico. this will help stop the violence between the people in Mexico. President Felipe Calderon says that Mexico is between a country that produces and sells drugs and a country that produces weapons. He said it is are fault for doing this. The borders should be fully watched by people who know what to look for. The drug and gun trade has gone up a lot. 23,000 lives have been taken because of this Vittorio Rivera
ReplyDeleteADDITION TO OTHER POST...WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN ---OLIVIA KUROS
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with Erin that America is somewhat responsible for the War in Mexico. We did supply the arms for Mexican drug lords but it is ultimately the Fault of Mexican officials and border control for allowing the arms to penetrate its borders. Mexico is seemingly closer to becoming a Fail State and perhaps America should intervene and aide but to a certain extent.
I think the United States is partially to blame for the drug violence in Mexico because most of the weapons that were used to kill 23 thousand people were bought from the United States. The way that weapons are sold is like selling candy to a child. It really is simple. The government should take it upon themselves to get specific information about who actually is buying the weapon(s). I believe that more restrictions should come into play for both sides however, who’s dealing with a larger problem? In the article the President of Mexico states that they live next to the world’s largest drug consumer and largest weapon sellers that is supplying these so called “criminals”. But, aren’t the people from Mexico illegally coming into the U.S. to sell the addicting drugs?
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Erin that it actually is the Mexican officers and border patrollers fault for the weapons to get passed the border.
I also agree with CeCe, when she says that both countries should stick to their own affairs. I think reverting back to a normal state would be the right thing to do when all is over.
I believe that the United States has taken part in the drug war in Mexico. Since they are having border problems, both the United States and Mexico should take more responcibility into who is entering the countries. This war used 80% of the weapons From the United States which killed thousands of people. The United States is trying to make deals with Mexico to get all the drugs that they need. However, this clearly is not working out. The government should be organized and keep track on who is buying the weapons and why. This will better both countries in which they both can keep track about what they are clearly blind to. I agree with CeCe and Bridgette in which both countries should either deal with their own countries or come up with a more ideal idea to work together and make things work.
ReplyDelete-Alexa Kane
i believe that it is mainly Americas fault. the reason is because if Americans had never demanded such a high need for drugs that would help significantly in the drug feud. they should have more people watching the boarders who specialize into knowing what to look out for and also discontinue drugs coming into America so guns cant be bought in Mexico.-omar abbas
ReplyDeleteI think the United States is partially responsible for the drug violence in Mexico because President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have publicly acknowledged the fact that the U.S is involved in drug violence, yet have done nothing to help stop it. Most of the weapons used were made and distributed in the U.S and our high demand for drugs only helps but to encourage this "Drug War".
ReplyDeleteI think some U.S troops should be send to the boarders along with Mexico's Troops to effectively control what is coming and going from both countries. A stricter security system is in order. This drug problem should also be brought up more often as well as advanced warnings for the consequences of anyone smuggling illegal substances across the boarder.
If there is a well known strict security system in check, people will know better then to try and beat the system by taking a risk.
I agree with Omar that we need someone who actually knows what they are doing and what they are looking out for, this has gone on too long and the U.S has done nothing but make things worse.
-Jessica Morales
I agree with Natalie about extending the Bush Tax cuts. Even though i dont agree with the tax cuts they need to be in place otherwise taxes will rise and that is not what Americans want to see out of the Obama Administration seeing as he is coming up for reelection in two years.
ReplyDeleteObama shouldn't cut the bush tax cuts. His approval rating is only going to lower because he is letting congress increase taxes, which nobody wants. We're in a economic crisis and people didn't vote for him so that he could raise taxes - they want change and they want it because he said he would do something about it. Cutting the taxes in my opinion wouldn't do as good as bad, it's more damage than fix. Obama needs to keep those tax cuts until the economy gets somewhat better and those tax rises wouldn't make such a big difference. Tax cuts may sound like a good idea and maybe increasing them could potentially be good but until something good comes out it - then no it shouldn't be passed on.
ReplyDeleteI believe Obama should push Congress to end the Bush tax cuts. According to the article we cannot afford to let the pre-existing cuts continue. It would be detrimental to our economy, plunging us even farther into our recession.
ReplyDeleteThis whole issue is causing major fights between democrats and republicans and the decision of whether or not to continue tax cuts is affecting both political parties. Democrats are saying that Republican’s are, “blocking new economic growth measures for purely partisan reasons,” and Republicans have been “hammering Democrats about unemployment rates.” The accusations are going back and forth and with all the bickering the decision of this tax plan will put even more verbal hatred between parties.
Ending tax cuts would hurt Obama’s approval ratings because the fact of the matter is that people don’t like taxes. They don’t like working hard day after day, putting their hard work and sweat and dedication into their jobs just so the government can come along and requests what they think, is an extremely huge proportion of money from them, out of their paycheck. They think its unfair especially the rich who get even more money taken out, and who are the main ones being targeted in the new tax plan. The people that can’t afford to pay taxes aren’t really being affected here so I think the only reason his approval rate will drop when he ends the tax cuts is because people don’t like paying.
However, I believe it doesn’t matter if his approval ratings drop. So what if people don’t like president Obama? I don’t think it’s his job is for everyone to be happy with every decision he makes and like him. His job is to lead this country the best he can and if he feels ending these tax’s cuts will help us then I say fine. People may not like something but if it’s good for them then it doesn’t matter. Just like school, people don’t like going to school but it’s beneficial to their future so even though they don’t like it it’s still helping them.
I would give President Obama a 4.5 out of 5 on his performance so far as president. Considering the conditions Obama came into as president, walking into the job during a recession he had no participation in creating and trying to move forward from that is extremely hard and kind of unfair. He is trying to change things but neither party can seem to agree on anything and so his efforts are squashed. He probably wants to achieve a lot of what he promised, but there are a lot of main concerns he has to accomplish before he can get there. Like solving the tax problem, figuring out the health plan, and trying to get us out of this recession. While trying to counteract all the “bad” laws President Bush put in place. Just because he is president does not mean he is a magician. He cannot wave his hand and magically do things. He is trying so hard and the effort and dedication is there it just takes time and that’s what people don’t get. They want instant gratification and for all their problems to be solved and if they’re not then they hate the president.
Period 3
Melissa Iachetta
I believe it is Americas fault. Without the weapons there would not be any real problems. But, the trade of weapons is what is causing the problems. Unless the US stops sending the guns and this back and forth action drugs would not cause this problem. The drugs have a lot to do with money and so when people want money violence occurs and then someone ends up getting hurt. The drugs are obviously in the same shipment as the guns.
ReplyDeleteJoshua Howard
Period 3
Should Obama push Congress to end the Bush tax cuts? According to the article, what are some of the costs and benefits of doing so? Why would ending the tax cuts hurt Obama's approval rating? Overall, how would you rate Obama's performance so far as president? Explain your rating
ReplyDeleteI think Obama should not put an end to the Bush's tax cuts because the economy is getting destroyed. We go into more debt then before if we do this but the benefits are good fore we will rebuild with the new taxes and become the same strong nation that we once were. I think Obama is doing decent considering bush built this deep whole so basically hes just trying to dig us back out. Cisco period 5
I believe that Bema and the Congress shouldn’t end the bush tax, because it will just cause everyone more debt which we can’t afford already for us going through a hard time in our economy as we speak. According to the article some feel that by cutting bush tax we are add to the debt which I feel that I would have to agree wit that in away, and the burden of government also up in employment. Which is causing the people to be unhappy, certain things especially if they were to add more taxes it will make things worse. Tell you the truth I don’t feel that Obama is meeting to his expectations doing a poor job which I defiantly think he can do better. I do feel that the United States is somewhat responsible for the Drug Wars that is going on in Mexico. Majority of their products and weapons are getting shipped from the U.S to them. I am not sure if I think that the US should step in and help I seem to be undecided on that topic.
ReplyDelete-Joe Bee. PEriod 3
i think its the u.s fault because we arnt makin g the war on drugs happen in mexico but we are definatley provoking it by creating these weapons then poorley guarding ourboarders letting these weapons get through.If we were able tyo send more active troops to help secure the mexican boarder its woulod help alot.
ReplyDeletei think obama should not end the bush tax cuts because the economy we are living in now is at such a low anymore mistakes could potentially put us in a even bigger crisis then what we are in now.
Vincent gatto
I think the United States and mexico should work together and create a compromise about the drug war that is going on . Because the the US is selling drugs that they get from mexico and US also supplying mexico with guns. These guns are being used to hurt and kill people. If both sides made a plan so many problems would come to an end. And people would stop getting hurt.
ReplyDelete--Jamie Torney
I do think that the United States is partially responsible for the drug violence in Mexico because there is constantly weapons and drugs being smuggled over the border into both countries. I think that Mexico and the United States need to work together on controlling the border because mafias and cartels of both countries are working together to move illegal drugs and weapons. Reducing the production of weapons and strengthening the discouragement of drug use is obviously necessary to help end if not slow down this violence, but I also think it is going to take a strong joined effort from both countries to actually make progress in this war on crime.
ReplyDeleteKeenan Parente