Your Take: Recession Politics

The recent transportation budget passed by the Ohio Legislature included extended benefits for unemployed people. Longer time to collect unemployment benefits, and some help on the healthcare front as well.

Is this legitimate citizen support? Or just a feather for election time caps? If it is legitimate, is it wise? Do we need to deepend the deficeit even further? And what do we do with these extended benefits once the situation is back to normal, and most return to work?

Let me know what you think on this issue, from the stimulus at large to these extended benefits in specific to the auto and bank bailouts. What's your take?

Post comments, leave me a Wall post on Facebook, Twitter it, or shoot me an e-mail at john.macgregor at g mail.com! I'll post a recap on Monday with everyone's response.

Your Take: "I'm Just Not Political" Recap

Here's what everyone had to say about the question of whether it's really worth it to be an involved citizen.

Joe commented on the post:

For each person, life is all about something different, and for each person, a different passion is the pilot light in their furnace of a brain. For some people, helping others is their passion, and so they go to third world countries to get their hands dirty helping others to live decent lives, then come home to try to spread awareness and convert others to their cause.

For some others, it's music, like a guy I work with who is a member of two bands, and a producer for one of those as well as one more. He is a walking encyclopedia of musical knowledge and the overhead radio that plays oldies almost always leads to a quip that makes you wonder how anyone would know it. For example, "Did you know that Parliament Funkadelic was actually two separate bands with the same members, but called different names because of disputes with different recording companies?"

For others still, it could be business research, or the economy, international relations, or political issues. Whatever the subject matter is, these concentrations often stretch beyond points of interest or hobbies. Moreso, they form the identity of a person--who they are, what they strive for, and their own personal reason for existence--their 'sense of belonging' if you will.

So for some, politics just "isn't their bag," to quote the great Austin Powers, and for those, perhaps it's best that way.

Sorry for the LATE LATE update, but things have been crazy around here the last few weeks. Thanks for the comment and we'll see you all soon!

Your Take: "I'm Just Not Political"

That's a phrase I hear a lot from one of my coworkers. It's their standard response to things like, "Who are you voting for?" or "What do you think about the new tax?" and, "Did you like the election results?"

"Oh, whatever, you know, I'm not political. You know that."

I do, and it makes me sad. I saw a lot of people I know become energized by the recent election, whether it was because they felt they had a candidate to believe in, or they felt they actually had a say, or just because they had to stop the other guy. This coworker missed that boat.

And really, that's not the only one. There's a lot of people I talk to who just don't think of the government as something that involves them. Are they right? The government is a big, unwieldy piece of machinery, and we delegate the decision making to an extreme extent. Does that mean we're at the mercy of that machine, totally helpless?

What do you think? Does being an involved citizen make a difference? Or are we all better off not being "political?"

Your Take: Middle East Recap

***EDIT 1/18/09: I goofed, and forgot to make time to compile everyone's answers...sorry if you were watching for them or commented on the empty post!***

Here's what everyone had to say about the latest outbreak of Israel-Palestinian violence:

Teresa left a comment:

"I do not think this will end. People, including myself, can pray, hope, wish nations such as Israel cut this horrible blood bath. I do not have a solution for this. My mind is way too simple and not military trained...I am somewhat good at problem solving but this is beyond a problem. These are women and children who have been slaughtered. It has gone past making me feel angry. I am almost in shock (even though I really shouldn't be)."

David(DMac) also clicked the link:

"How does one negotiate with people who don't bargain in good faith? Who kill "innocent" men, women, and children? Who keep upgrading their ability to kill? Oh, and all of those apply to both sides of the discussion.

"Great tragedy occurs when Right meets Right", John Stoessinger.

It is awfully hard to discriminate when terrorist/freedom fighters are hiding among children, in mosques, and in universities. It is particularly hard when using big bombs..."

Jeannine commented on the recap post:

"I don't think it is lack of interest in the topic as much as what is there to say. This who mess over there makes no sense, yes the sides both have a right to what is theirs but neither is really interested in compromise. Neither wants peace only dominance. I think it is hard for most people to stop their own daily preoccupations and even try to address such craziness but the sad truth is the only way for it to stop is to draw attention to the craziness and the hypocracy in an effort to awaken everyone higher ablities to deal with the issue."

Veronica chimed on the same post:

"I'm wondering why we're supporting Israel. They have done so much killing and we seem to keep backing them for reasons that maybe I'm not aware of, but it doesn't make any sense to me ..."

Jameel comes to us via Facebook:

"If in regards to Israel we seem to be pausing, then Israel, Gaza, Hamas, etc. etc. are sure as hell rewinding on 12x. Or playing. Or fast forwarding. If you get the metaphor."

Thanks for all the comments, folks, and taking the time to ponder a problem bigger than any of us (or maybe all of us).

Your Take: Middle East

So you read my take on the whole Middle Eastern drama. Essentially, I think it's time to stop Israel from committing war crimes whenever they feel threatened, and then put peace keepers on the ground.

Ah, if only it was that simple...

What's your solution to the crisis? Do you have one? Do you even care? When you hear about the latest about Israel and Gaza on the news, what do you feel about it?

Remember these are just prompts to get you thinking...go where you will in your response.

Leave me your thoughts via the comments or the e-mail option, and I'll post a recap this time next week. Thanks for the participation!

Your Take: Government Corruption

Normally, I'd post this recap a solid week after I put the question to the readers. But somehow, discussion political corruption and Christmas didn't mix well in my mind (think coffee and stirfry, bleck). So here it is.

A week and a half ago, I asked you fine readers just how corrupt you thought politicians are. Here's what I heard back.

Nicole, in Iowa left a comment:

"OK, so my two cents, since I actually am from IL. I've talked to people from all over the nation about the Blago case, and there are two mentalities. Anyone who isn't from IL says, zomg, this is horrible, I can believe someone would do this.

Everyone that I know from IL? Oh, hey, the sky is still blue, and pig shit still stinks.

Honestly, the amount of corruption depends on the politician, and the location. IL(Chicago specifically) has a long history of all sorts of political fraud. It's why this story doesn't shock me one bit. Take this case to backwater Montana though, and I think that the people living there wouldn't know what hit them."

Dr. Joe, in Oxford OH also commented:

"After taking a full semester course on the interrelations between business, law, and ethics, there is one overarching lesson I have learned--We all have a little larceny in our hearts. No matter how well we mean in our actions or intentions, everyone is at some point tempted to commit an act that is unethical or unjust. While many of us choose to resist this temptation most of the time, it is natural that at some point, the bough will break, and we will put a thumb on the scale or artfully bend a rule to our or a friend's advantage.

The decision to do this or not depends greatly on the environment around the situation, and the consequences surrounding the action. If a meter maid taking a bribe stands to lose his/her job to help a stranger, it probably won't happen. But in Illinois politics, where corruption is common, and you have to play the game to get ahead, it's certainly a lot more probable that the ethical core is slightly altered to fit the new arena. The great challenge is to tackle a poor environment, and work to change it. Not an easy task. "

Teresa in Boston clicked the comment link (edits mine for clarity):

"I know this might not be the most positive of the feedback but each case is so different it really depends on the players involved for me to [decide to] get angry at a guy walking free from his 472347238 DUI, [or to get upset when an official takes] a $20 or $50 bill slipped to someone to let something they caught doing pass/slide.

I see "higher ups" getting caught for horrid crimes (ENRON) but it is way after the permenant damage is done I often ask myself who the fuck is policing these people??? Now...I am not a fan of any shape or form of a big brother but some sort of watchful eye is needed. Human is to weakness as money is to greed and when people come into power they shall seek [more] until they are full. (Usually a person in power just wants more power so this is just a cycle really.)

Corruption is pretty rampant today (in the largest and smallest sense)."

Veronica from Chicago chimed in on the comment page:

"I tend to wonder whether this kind of politics always existed and is just coming to light right now, or whether it has just gotten worse in the more recent future ..."

And Jameel in Cincinnati left a comment on my Facebook import of this post (I trimmed out portions for brevity...definitly go read the full version on Facebook):

"I've recently, due to extenuating circumstances, come under the unfortunate direct demographic of both Michael Savage and Sean Hannity. Sean Hannity, because he's such a genius and a great American, has said repeatedly on national radio, to everyone insane enough to listen, that he doesn't know any comparable example in American history of politics and business and government being as corrupt as they are today.

Does the Gilded Age not ring any bells? Everyone in the country that had any authority was corrupt in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. [...] I think corruption today is exactly as bad as it was over 100 years ago. The government is not rampant with corruption and dishonorable behavior. You're not getting anything but a court date if you try to slip a meter maid $20, or walking free from repeat offenses.

However, unfortunately, I do have first hand experience with the legal system, [...] but the legal system isn't corrupt so much as it is bull crap. The legal system in regards to non-felonious and civil matters serves no purpose but to perpetuate a cycle of non-tax income for local governments. [...] If you are a repeat offender on misdemeanors like DUI, the law technically puts you in jail for however long. In the time I've spent in court, though, I've seen repeat DUI offenders, repeat non-licensed offenders, people without insurance, who have well established histories of the same offense, get off with nothing more than a veritable slap on the wrist, zero jail time, and minimal fees.

Btw lol at American Gangster reference, twas a good movie."

And that's all she wrote, folks. Thanks for your thoughts and thank you even more for taking the time to share them on my blog! Tune in next week for another chance to throw your two pennies at me.

Corruption in Politics

So, as you're prolly aware by now, the Governor of Illinois was alledgedly planning on selling the Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama. The guy apparantly had legal bills, and who knows what other money troubles that made him consider selling out the democratic process. It's a pretty classic scenario...you get in over your head, and then decide the only way to get back out of the pit is to take a few roads you'd never otherwise consider.

At least, one would hope selling a Senate seat isn't on the first page of options for a state Governor.

However, you have to remember this is America. We have a long and colorful history of corrupt politicians. It's human nature...when you think you can make some extra cash, you do so. Especially when it's significant money and you don't think you can get caught. There are exceptions...but they really are exceptions. For every judge who gets bought off by Vito Corleone, there's a Russel Crowe who actually turns in the $1,000,000 in drug money he finds in the trunk of a car.

But at the same time...what do you think?? How rampant (or not) do you think corruption is today? Do you think that you can get a parking fine dropped by slipping the meter maid a $20? Did you ever watch some guy walk free from his fifth DUI? Watched a Congressman vote for the most irrational bill with weak backup?

E-mail me, leave a comment, give me a call or text...whatever. Let me know how corrupt you think our society really is, and I'll post the replies next Thursday. Till then...adios!

Your Take: Ballot Initiatives

As promised, here's the recap from our favorite ballot issue poll! Thanks for everyone taking time to write out a response to last week's question.

Joe in Oxford, Ohio writes:

"I think I'm going to select Proposition 8 out in California. Although I'm baffled, surprised, and a little angry that marriage is now more specifically defined in yet another state, I think that at least it was a valid attempt. Plus, I think that referendum may have very far-reaching consequences. After all, if it can't pass in California, it starts to look like the issue as a whole will face an even more uphill battle in the future. However, the vote showed that not all preconceptions are true--obviously San Francisco is not representative of the entire state of California, fortunately or unfortunately."

Casey in Cincinnati, Ohio told me:

"I would have to say may favorite issue on the ballot was [Ohio] Issue 5, because it took me by surprise. I had no idea Payday loan places were able to charge 391%!! That is insane, and doesn't help our economy that already has people 10 feet under."

And finally Sarah from Columbus, Ohio sent in this note:

"The ballot initiative which stuck out in my mind was Ohio's Issue 6, involving the in-state casino. Ohioans have been voting 'No' on this issue for years and years. I knew as soon as I heard about it, before hearing any details, the issue would be shot down because Ohioans simply don't want a casino in their state.

The only way it would come close to passing is if there were a lot of strings attached and more than the usual share of casino revenue would be going back to the state. I personally voted for it because I see more benefits than drawbacks. More jobs, money staying in state. Crime wouldn't be much of a factor - look at the surrounding state's casinos for evidence of this.

The state confirmed my suspicions on November 4th, however, when they voted it down. I'm looking forward to next year when we get the chance to debate the issue further. Maybe the lawmakers will actually come up with something that sparkles this time."

Two things stuck out in my mind with this replies:

1. People learned things from the ballot initiative campaigns, as Casey points out about the 391% annual interest rate the pay day lenders were getting.
2. None of this is done, as both Joe and Sarah wrote. Democracy is never really finished unless it's killed by a military coup...so I take their comments as a good sign.

There you have it! Two state issues and an eye on the national scene. Two monetary issues and one social concern. I'm not a statistician, so I'm not sure what this tell us about the concerns of the voters (not that three is an acceptable sample of the Ohio population...), but it does make for interesting water cooler talk. I mean, anything but actually working, right?

Ballot Initiatives

You're probably familiar with the concept of a ballot initiative, even if you don't realize it.

It's when a voter (or a group of voters) take their beef straight to the people. Like with the recent pay day lending issue...the pay day lenders decided they didn't want the legislature having the final say, and petitioned to put it on the ballot.

Why do these matter to you?

A) Because it's one of the few cases where you get to have a direct voice in the government.
B) These are laws that directly effect you.

There are a lot of people who will be upset when they can't just go take out a check express loan whenever they feel like it, and unfortunately I don't think many of those people voted on the issue. They lost their voice on their cash advance loans because they didn't vote.

It's also nice to think that my opinion counts, and I'm not relying on the judgement of some person who is going to vote the party line. (The judgement of the electorate is another question altogether).

So how do you get an initiative on the ballot?

Regulations differ from state to state as to how to get an initiative on the ballot. In fact, one of the ballot initiatives on my ballot this year was about new regulations for ballot initiatives (irony!).

Typically, you need to get enough signatures (number varies) on a petition to prove there's a need for this issue. Then you have to have them in by a certain date, to allow for verification of said signatures. Because not just any clown can be a signer...they have to be registered voters, and at least in Ohio, registered in the county your peitition is designated for.

That's why those people have like 90 clipboards, a petition for each county, just in case. Oh, and there's steps about the petition itself, to make sure it isn't TOO misleading...just go to the Secretary of State's webpage about ballot access to get the full story.

Anyhow, here's where the interactive part comes in. I'd like to hear from you about your favorite ballot initiative this year. Whether it's one you actually liked, or hated. Whether it was your own state, somewhere in the nation, or a city ordinance. I don't care, I just want to hear about a ballot initiative that struck your fancy.

E-mail me or comment on this post...I'll run a recap post with all your thoughts next week (appropriateness pending, of course).

Hope to hear from you!