Television, Radio or bin Laden: Matter of Importance

President Barack Obama has been keeping busy lately, but he hasn't been solely focused on political issues. Television and radio spots have seem to take a big priority for Mr. Obama.
Obama is taking part in an audio ad for Calif. Senator Barbara Boxer. In the audio, he is saying, “This is Barack Obama. On Nov 2, California has a choice and the stakes couldn’t be higher.” It is unusual for Obama to appear in an ad like this, and his appearance is causing some sparks of controversy.

 Also, Obama is scheduled to appear on an episode of Discovery Channel's "Mythbusters." He will be helping to determine whether the Greek scientist Archimedes really set fire to an invading Roman fleet using only mirrors and the reflected rays of the sun. This episode is due to air on Dec. 8.

Photo Credit: The Cleveland Leader

It seems as though Obama is again focusing too much on media rather than political duties. After being used by Republicans in ways against Democrats, he is making an appearance in a radio spot. He is using the "Mythbusters" appearance to spark interest in the White House effort to promote math and science. Should he be worried about politics in California and increasing American competition in math and science? It seems unnecessary when new talks of Osama bin Laden's activities and location are going on. American safety is more important than math, science, or California Democrats.

For more information, please read: Obama's New Audio Ad
 Obama on "Mythbusters"
Osama bin Laden CNN Article

American Opportunity or Burden?

Credit: Lawrence Jackson, White House Photo

President Barack Obama asked Congress to extend the American Opportunity Tax Credit program that assisted college students with tuition on Wednesday. The program is expiring at the end of the year, but Obama wants to make it permanent. He believes the tax break helps make college educations more affordable for American citizens. Obama also believes that an "education arms race" is taking place around the world, with many countries preparing students to compete for future jobs in the global work force. Obama feels Republicans want to cut government spending, including a 20 percent cut for education funding. However, the program will cost $58 billion over a decade, money that this country does not have.
With the current economy, Americans are already struggling. Most college students need to take out some type of loan out to pay for tuition, meaning they will have to pay it back with interest. The tax credit may help out, but students will have to still pay back a high tuition bill. The tax credit really amounts to nothing helpful in the long run, with the tuition for a four-year study being through the roof at many colleges. So, is it really worth the fuss to make this tax break permanent?

To read about the issue, read: Obama calls on Congress to extend tax break for college students

Hometown Advantage?

From The Associated Press

President Barack Obama is scheduled to visit Chicago next Thursday to attend fundraisers for Senate candidate and friend Alexi Giannoulias. As Giannoulias competes for Obama's old Senate seat, Democrats are worring about loosing control in the Congress. Obama's visits are being used to help raise Democratic support in upcoming mid-term elections.
However, Chicagoans are still hoping for more help from Obama. After a motivational speech of change when winning the presidency, Obama has yet to provide much change or much needed economic relief. Poles from Chicago publications have shown Obama's approval rating slowly slipping, yet Chicago is slower to attack his faults.
Chicagoans may lean towards the Democratic side of the political spectrum, but Obama needs to be concerned about his own political standing. Showing support for fellow Democrats may be good for the party, but Republicans still have momentum with their campaigns and in the polls. Maybe a Republican advantage in Congress can bring the needed change that Obama promised but can't follow through with.

To read more on Obama's campaign visits, visit these websites:
Obama to campaign in Maryland, Illinois
Obama Coming Home

Small Business Relief or Another Economic Stress?

As autumn winds blow threw Washington D.C., President Obama is also causing new winds of change to sweep through the nation.

On September 27th, 2010, Mr. Obama signed a new bill to aid small businesses. The bill will hopefully give small businesses more financial assistance by cutting taxes and making loans more available. The struggling economy has negatively impacted small businesses and entrepreneurs. Obama blamed the delay of this bill on Republican leadership and according to The New York Times' political blog, The Caucus, the president regretted that the bill was blocked by a Republican minority in Congress.

As he hits the campaign trail over the upcoming weeks beginning at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Obama will be sharing his message about this bill. However, will his audience listen? Experts have noticed that the Obama administration's efforts to bring relief to the economic crisis have not helped as much as promised on the previous campaign trail. Will this bill provide relief or add financial stress to other businesses, as well as tax payers? Also, if this bill is not as successful as planned, who will the president blame this time?

*For more information, read The Caucus. The link is as follows:
The Caucus (September 27th, 2010)

My Journalism Heroine

The writing styles of of many journalists have inspired my personal work. However, the writings and works of Nellie Bly (a.k.a. Elizabeth Cochrane Seaman) have inspired me most. Her voice stood out in her stories, and the creativity she had with story ideas amazes me. I am still shocked by Bly's story about insane asylums. To willingly emerge one's self in that environment in the name of journalism is just astounding. Without a doubt, Bly was a daredevil reporter and took on any and every task to tell her story. She really paved the way for women journalists and set the bar high for present and future reporters not just in writing but in creativity, as well.
One of my favorite quotes by Nellie Bly is as follows:

"It is only after one is in trouble that one realizes how little sympathy and kindness there are in the world."
 
I hold this quote to be very true, especially in today's society. It is hard to ask people for help sometimes, because people act as if they are being bothered. There are people out there who will help at the drop of a hat, but some will only help if and when it is at their convenience.

Bly was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1998. The following is a link to her page on the Hall's website:
Nellie Bly in the National Women's Hall of Fame

The following is an excerpt from Nellie Bly's "Ten Days in a Mad-House:"

"My instructions were simply to go on with my work as soon as I felt that I was ready. I was to chronicle faithfully the experiences I underwent, and when once within the walls of the asylum to find out and describe its inside workings, which are always, so effectually hidden by white-capped nurses, as well as by bolts and bars, from the knowledge of the public. "We do not ask you to go there for the purpose of making sensational revelations. Write up things as you find them, good or bad; give praise or blame as you think best, and the truth all the time. But I am afraid of that chronic smile of yours," said the editor. "I will smile no more," I said, and I went away to execute my delicate and, as I found out, difficult mission."