Election time!

Why is it that in 2008, American's overwhelmingly voted the democrats into office and now just two short years later most analysts predict that the Democrats are going to lose and lose big?  Is it really possible that Americans can change their minds that much that quickly?  Most of us hold certain beliefs very dearly, so if that is the case how can so many Americans change their political positions so quickly?
 I believe that the reason that we change which party is in power so much is not because our viewpoints change but precisely because our core viewpoints do not change.

George Patton said that "Americans love a winner and will not tolerate a loser!"  I believe that is the crux of the issue. At the heart of it, the vast majority of Americans want America to continue to be seen as a strong nation in the world.  Most Americans also want to enjoy economic prosperity.  Most Americans want to know that they are safe from crime and that they will be protected by the police.   Americans want their children to have access to top quality education.  So really, Americans hold the same views.  They differ which methods best achieve those ends but they believe in the same ideals.  So why do we switch parties in and out of power so much? Because a large percentage of Americans vote for whichever party they feel will best uphold the aforementioned ideals.  When the republicans were in power and the economy collapsed (ala Great Recession) so Americans perceived that Republicans couldn't uphold the ideal of American economic prosperity.  Conversely when the Democrats were in power and appeared weak internationally (ala Iranian Hostage Crisis), Americans perceived that the democrats couldn't uphold the ideal of American international power.

So in the end we are mostly divided by different methods to achieve the same ends and we vote for which ever party we feel best helps us achieve those ends.  So for 2010, sorry democrats, Americans are disgruntled with the current state of affairs so you won't fair so well this cycle.  By next election though.... Who knows? 
~The Extemp Guy

YAY for Chile!

If you aren't aware that Chile just rescued 33 miners from the depths of the earth and brought them back into the light of day, then you have either been living under a rock or you blind.  It's all over the news.  Those miners have, rightfully so, turned overnight into international sensations.  But what does all this mean for Chile?

So let's recap rewinding back a year: Chile = South American country, struggling to pull itself out of grinding poverty.  Then February 27, A massive earthquake hits Chile.  As Chile struggles to rebuild, Sebastian Pinera is elected president of Chile.  Mr. Pinera, was already a private business success before he turned to politics.  Since then Pinera has been rebuilding Chile and moving it forward.
Then in August, a mine collapsed in Chile.  It was found that 33 Miners were still alive but trapped in a small cavern underneath the ground.  In previous years, it would have been a death sentence.  But Chile refused to let that happen.  They outsourced to the rest of the world and brought in mining experts from all over to help them rescue the miners.
But more importantly than Chile's willingness to ask for help has been the world's willingness to support Chile! As the Chile has rejoiced over the rescue the rest of the world rejoiced too.
Watch in the future for the rise of Chile.  As Chile reforms its image it is making friends all over the world.  It is setting itself up to be a regional powerhouse.
In short, Don't underestimate Chile!

~The Extemp Guy

Intro + Federal vs. State authority

This is my first post on a new blog which I have created for the purpose of sharing my take on current events for the purpose of helping me organizing my thoughts as practice for Extemporaneous speech. So here is my first article:  
The NYT reported in this article http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/16/us/16pot.html?partner=rss&emc=rss that Attorney General Holder Told California that if they legalize marijuana in California, the Federal government would step in, to enforce the federal drug laws.
This brings up a much more important point that drug laws.  Can States pass laws that directly contradict federal laws?  It seems like a silly question to even ask but in case you are wondering, the answer is NOOOO!!!!!!
State laws can go further than federal laws.  For instance if the federal minimum wage is $8.00 a state could pass a law setting the minimum wage at $8.50.  The state could not however, pass a law that set the state minimum wage lower than the federal minimum wage.  For those unsure on this issue, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S AUTHORITY SUPERSEDES THE STATE GOVERNMENT'S AUTHORITY.
California should keep this in mind as they move forward with their new drug laws.  And all other states should take note that the Federal government is serious about asserting its authority.

~The Extemp Guy