“Then Shut It Down” – Unintended Consequences

This shutdown also has unintended consequences for every American. Due to a budget not passed by Congress, the government has had to close down some important parts of its government. I’ve already discussed the national parks; now, I’d like to touch a more personal area of the government shutdown: Education.

            I know many teachers, professors, and people who love education (whether it is teaching or just learning). I am still considering the teaching profession within the next five or ten years. Teachers are always getting the short end of the stick. Since the shutdown has taken place, the Department of Education (and the Departments of Public Instructions & Auxiliary)  has had to cease funding of grants and other funds. Why you may ask…because the two departments within the Department of Education are subsidies.  All subsidies within the Federal Government have ceased (which is why many are concerned that the Women, Infants, and Children – or W.I.C. program will hurt many Americans because it isn’t being funded at the moment).  This shutdown is severally hurting those educators that are trying to better the education of their students through grant funding. Not only are teachers in North Carolina getting….shafted...but now they are getting it from their own government!

            One of the “solutions” proposed by Congress is to back legislation called a “continuing resolution” (to clarify, I think I covered in the last post but if not then I’ll explain again), which essentially continues funding the government until a certain time period. The problem with this is that is postpones the political debate over funding by the same time period. In layman’s term, it “kicks the can down the road” which doesn’t benefit anyone. Now, if the House of Representatives could pass a continuing resolution with no riders attached (again, a “rider” is an amendment – so to speak – put into the legislation) because once a rider is attached, it will immediately create controversy resulting back to square one. If the House passes it, then the Senate should pass it as well so the President can sign it and the shutdown will be over.   This may sound very easy and should be easy to do, but when you have 435 voting members of one body (The House of Representatives) and fifty members of another body (The Senate) all trying to agree on one issue AND THEN having to have the President sign off on it as well, it becomes extremely challenging to accomplish.  This is why Political Science is in the “Arts & Sciences” category. It is an art and there is definitely science involved to alleviate the problems of government. Well, so go the theory.

“Then Shut It Down” – The Rippling Effect

This shutdown isn’t just about which budget to pass…it is so much more. It affects every American in some way or another. Let’s start with the obvious things: let’s start with the national parks service, for example.

Due to a Government shutdown, all national parks and monuments will be closed because the staff that maintains these places are federal workers.  They will not work as it would be in violation of a law (and I can’t remember the law but I’ll double check). Now since there are national parks, and monuments, are in every state, it will affect every citizen in the states. It’s really sad because for all the members of Congress, it seems like they don’t want to stand by their constituents.  Here me out on this: National parks and monuments generate a lot of revenue for surrounding areas and businesses with souvenirs, restaurants, and even hiking trails provide camping opportunities and money-raising goals for upkeep of such trails.  When these places close, none of these places get tourists, which hurts local economies.  As much as each party says, “we can manage without them”, in the end, the local communities that depend on tourism revenue can’t survive without business.  It is simple, and a very practical basic rule to remember: all politics is local.

Yes, the shutdown is about not passing a budget by the Legislative Branch. A budget, as many know, has the main topic of money and funding allocations. There are certain things that will still continue during the government shutdown time. The first thing to note is that if an American is on social security, Medicare, and disability, then they will continue to be sent out (like those people will still get their checks).   Even the Affordable Care Act Law will still be funding because its funding is not tied to appropriations budgeting (its funding comes from another source).  Now one of the things about the shutdown does is that is ceases all forms of new applications and stalls all current stuff. So as stated, people will still receive their social security checks, but if people apply to get a check, then they will be postponed since there is nobody to process the requests.  The same thing goes for hunting licenses, driver’s licenses, passports, etc.

            Staying on the topic of money, it is important to realize that funding cuts don’t just stop with national parks and monuments.  How long do you think it will take for Congressional leaders to cut funding, or just not fund, other areas of government without thinking about the bigger picture (while still remembering the smaller pieces that make up the bigger picture).  What’s next to not fund…education? Transportation? Science? It’s already starting to happen with education in other states. In a really sad way, maybe this is “the trickle-down effect” that the Republican Party loves to remind us about; or, maybe it’s the Democratic Party’s version of “spreading the wealth” even though the wealth is drying up because the United States government has shutdown. Okay, time for a quick break so sit tight and the next blog piece will up soon enough. In the meantime, if you have questions, feel free to e-mail me – timoteohines@gmail.com

From An Election & The Supreme Rulings…

Well, a lot has happened within the last post.  With a special election over and two monumental rulings, even a state in political chaos and new adventures for the politically savvy, there is never a dull moment in my life and keeping up with the changing times.

            To pick up from my last post, the special election in South Carolina did not turn out in my favor.  Elizabeth Colbert-Busch did not win the congressional seat against former governor Mark Sanford.  I can’t say I’m surprised, given it is the most conservative district in the country, if only for South Carolina.  I don’t blame the candidate for her loss; nobody should ever fault the candidate in these campaigns.  I would argue that false hopes and misguided name recognition lead to the blind support of the Democratic party standing behind her in this race.  I also think the Democratic party was reluctant to stand by her because she was too conservative a “true democratic candidate” for their liking.  In the end, it is the experience that matters, and it is important to always look towards the next election and work to win that one. The object is to fight to win the next election; but one should never forget their losses, as it drives the desire to win the next race.

            May transcended into June, and the end of June brought the month went out with a loud bang. On the twenty-sixth of the month, the United States Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act and also cited the Proposition Eight case from California, that it has no legal standing which meant they wouldn’t rule on it; thus, it allowed for the lower court’s decision to be upheld (which stated that Proposition Eight was unconstitutional in the state of California).  Both of these cases are huge victories for LGBT-individuals living in the United States [and the overall fight for Marriage Equality in the country]. 

Personally, I view these as good things for the United States regarding progressing for progress’ sake.  I do not believe that marriage is being “re-defined” or that the country’s moral standing will fall and the wrath of God will come down hard against this great nation. Nay, I believe that marriage has been extended to those outside of the “traditional” marriage practice and the state of California has the right to pass laws that are within the constitutional boundaries of the law. Since I am not a resident of that state, the Proposition Eight ruling does not apply to me; what does however is the Amendment One that was passed by 60% of the North Carolina voting populace in last year’s election cycle. As far as the law goes in the state of North Carolina: “Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized”.  (NC Constitution, Article 14, Section 6)

            While we are talking about North Carolina, and the laws being passed within the state, it is important to focus on the General Assembly of the North Carolina State Legislature.  There have been a few bills that have been passed through the House of Representatives and/or the Senate that are not exactly promising when it comes to doing the best thing for the residents of the Tar Heel state.  The first issue is education and the battle to cut its funding. There is an incentive to have older teachers to retire early and to accept, as a parting gift, an extra $500.  The horrible thing is that it passed the House of Representatives! As far as I know, it is still being discussed in a senate committee. Let me backtrack a moment: After the election of 2012, the House, Senate, and Governorship went into the hands of Republicans (just stating a fact; this is how democracy works…whomever wins gets to be in power). 

            Now the House Republicans are trying to pass laws to limit education funding, revise the tax structure, and even pass anti-abortion measures attached to a law that is against Sharia law. First things first, I AM NOT ADVOCATING FOR SHARIA LAW (set aside the fact that it is Constitionally impossible for any religious based law to be followed in the USA); all I am saying is that we need to separate the real issues from “non-real” issues.  For example, the House republicans and Senate republicans have either passed, or will pass, a restructured tax base to allocate for tax breaks to the residents of North Carolina; the problem is that both houses have different views on what is the correct tax base formula.  Even Governor McCrory has stated that he will veto any bill that comes across his desk that would raise taxes on the middle class (which both plans do; Senate plan has middle class families paying more than $30 in taxes and I’m not sure about the House plan, but I’ll look into it and get back to you). I consider this to be an actual issue. The “non-real” issue is which plan saves North Carolina families…the answer: both plans, and the Governor knows it (which is why he’ll veto it...as it would haunt him around re-election time).

[The North Carolina Senate will vote today on their tax bill: The Senate Bill is #394 and the House Bill is #998]

As for the abortion rider in the bill against Sharia law (again, is Sharia law really a problem in North Carolina? Seriously?), this is also a thorn in the side for Governor McCrory as he stated in his campaign to become the Governor that he would not sign bills into law that would further restrict abortions. The sad thing is it might become law even if he vetoed the bill because they have the votes in the House to override him. When it comes to the real issue, such as abortion, we seem t have a lame duck governor in Raleigh. To review: Real issue – restricting abortions; “non-real” issue – Sharia law ever becoming the law in North Carolina (as it would be unconstitutional under our own state constitution, and the fact that the United States Constitution is the true law over all fifty states [and the territories] and that North Carolina was in the “God-fearing” south). Come to think this about it, how is that bill not unconstitutional?

2013: A New Year is Here with Endless Possibilities

     Well, 2013 is here! It was a great way to ring in the New Year...watching Anderson Cooper & Kathy Griffin (the funniest duo on TV during New Year's Eve festivities)!  2012 was a long year with many ups and downs.  It was a great year for me; but, 2013 will be even better.  There are so many things I can only image that will happen this year. Whether it's love, graduate school, occupation, politics, or some other things, it will be the best that I can make it.
     With regards to graduate school, I am planning on return to Western Carolina University this semester to begin the process of earning a Master of Arts in Public Administration.  I want to focus my studies on NonProfit Management and Public Policy.  I figure with an MPA and those areas of focus, I'll be able to advocate for the issues I think are the most important.  Bear in mind that my top issues are Education, Foreign Policy, Healthcare, and LGBT rights.  I think with those issues being the focal point of politics and policies within the next ten-to-fifteen years, it only makes sense that I help make history by leading the way to equality for all Americans and policies that benefit all Americans (both foreign and domestic). I believe that everyone is entitled to the same rights and responsibilities as others have and earned.  As an American, we are defined by the things that make us equal.  That is what our country was founded on and that is what is within our guiding document.  I think it is a high travesty that many Americans would deny their fellow country men [and women] the same rights they have.  Personally, it is okay to disagree with someone and still respect them; however, when one crosses the line from respect over to bigotry and judgements...then that is when we have a problem.
     I'm not just talking about Marriage Equality by the way.  I'm also talking about religious tolerance.  You see, the founding fathers were adamant about the separation of church and state.  That is why is is in the Constitution that, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof" and also that "No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States".  I just still find that, in 2013, people still tend to vote on their elected officials based on their religious preference. If anything, that is un-american.  Especially if a religion wants to deny rights to Americans that have that right granted to them by their own government.  Again, I'm not bashing religion; I'm simply making the point that the United States has a Constitution which outlines a strict separation of church and state.
     2012 was a monumental year for politics and 2013 will [hopefully] be an even better year! With the re-election of the nation's first African-American President, Barack Obama, it proved that the United States is finally progressing to the point where other countries have been for at least twenty years. I mean, this President has done A LOT to progress the nation into the twenty-first century: nominating (and having confirmed) more women to the United States Supreme Court (and having the first ever hispanic woman on the court); the first President to ever support Same-Sex marriage (after much discussions though); signing the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act; championed the fight against SB 1070; Achieved a monumental Healthcare legislation overhaul (which was proved to be Constitutional); Repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"; got unemployment under 8%; eliminated multiple leaders of Al-Qaeda (including Osama Bin Linden); he even ensured student loans would not double and increased pell grant spending at the same time; and so much more! I think 2013 will bring further progression and that President Obama will take the United States forward into a positive and prosperous century. Many have said that the twenty-first century will belong to the United States of America. If anything, more states will join the ranks of Marriage Equality and, one day, all fifty states will allow same-sex couples an opportunity to marry their loved one.
     Well, I hope that 2013 will be the continuation of forward-thinking and prosperity of the United States. For me, 2013 will be my year of changes...for the better and not for anything less!

Are the Holidays Over Yet???

     Well, my time in Arizona is almost complete.  I love spending time with my family, but I often feel guilty about the chosen career path I've decided to take.  It's the one topic that isn't supposed to be discussed at family events.  I always go out of my way to make sure I don't bring up the topic around family, especially since I am opposite side of the political spectrum.  It always seems to be another member which says something small or asks me a ligament question about a certain aspect of politics. Once that happens, there is always that one family member who just has to chime in with their thoughts even though they have no clue what they are talking about...or if they do, it is not of their own thought process.  I generally do not say anything and just let it slide; but, it is like a volcano...it keeps building up and building up.  Eventually, someone makes a comment one to many and I let it lose because I never back down from an argument, even if I have to just say "well, that's your opinion" or something like that.
     I mean, it is one thing to disagree with me.  That is fine.  If we all agreed on everything then society would be a boring place. In fact, it is very american to disagree and have intelligent conversation about complex issues in order to solve said issues.  What I don't like s when someone flat-out challenges your stand when you have spent your entire life and career in that particular field.  Yes, I am well versed in Healthcare issues and when legislation were passed; and, I am also well versed on different foreign relations bills.  I am even well versed in MANY social issues and their effects on society.  I will never apologize for my level of education, or the pursuing of further education.  As my uncle tends to say, "knowledge is power". I honestly don't care if I'm the black sheep of the family, but I do know what I'm talking about when people start talking about MY field of expertise.  Also, a side note, just because one goes to college does not mean they will have all liberal professors or they will suddenly all "drink kool aide".  I can't help the fact that you can't understand the knowledge that I know, but how dare you attempt to insult what I do for a living.  If my career bothers you that much and if you feel so threatened by my intellect in a vast array of professional fields, then I'm sorry but please get over it.  I make it a personal effort to not make people feel uncomfortable and always try to respect the wishes of others, the least you can do is respect my career and the education I've had to earn to become successful in my line of work. Geez!
     Ok, I'm fine. It just bothers me. So I guess dinner is ready so I should probably get ready for that.  Only two more days and then I'll be bound for North Carolina.  I know some changes I'll be making in 2013.  Some will be good and some will be bad.  I just know I need to start living for me and reduce my guilt for my life decisions. I accept everyone else's life decisions and faults, so I think it's time for others to start doing that with me. Okay, end of rant.

Hayden Rogers: North Carolina’s 11th District Next Congressman

As Heath Shuler retires from Congress, it is important for Western North Carolina to elect someone who can continue to represent the district in Washington, D.C.  The person who is fit to become the next member of Congress from North Carolina’s Eleventh District is Hayden Rogers.

A native of Western North Carolina, Hayden Rogers knows how to balance jobs, education, and leisure.  While going to Princeton University, he balanced his courses and working jobs at nights to pay for his education.  As a son of public school teachers, Hayden understands the value of what an education can do for someone. In fact, Hayden values the investment in education so much that he takes an active role in his daughters’ education. Hayden strongly believes educational opportunities should be available to all children without any reservations. Furthermore, Hayden Rogers stands alongside teachers and will fight to ensure that no more teachers lost their jobs.

After his time at Princeton, Hayden Rogers returned home to help our local economy by opening his own small business.  After starting his own construction company, he successfully expanded his business to other areas such as real estate management, landscaping, and retail garden center.  Through his ability to understand the challenges of small business and the need to reduce costs and regulations, Hayden Rogers was able to create many jobs throughout Western North Carolina. He even has a favorable rapport with the Postal Workers Union and believes that their jobs are valuable to the citizens of Western North Carolina.  Hayden Rogers will fights for creating jobs in Western North Carolina just like he helped create jobs as a small business owner.

I’m voting for Hayden Rogers to serve as the next member of Congress for North Carolina’s eleventh congressional district.  On May 8, and in the general election, I hope you will join me and send Democratic candidate Hayden Rogers to Congress. With his bold leadership, job-creating opportunities, member of the National Rifle Association (yes, he is an NRA member and supports the second amendment to the U.S. Constitution), and ability to relate to the citizens of Western North Carolina, it only makes sense to vote for Democratic candidate Hayden Rogers for Congress.

The Journey to the Wild West (Part 2 of 2)

     Once I arrived in Arizona, it was an experience.  The fact that I had cell service was amazing!  I went line dancing, went to Tombstone (and watched Tombstone...ironically), went to Tuscon to see the Desert Museum, saw 'The Iron Lady" (again) with my grandparents, helped my grandmother make a pizza (half pepperoni and half broccoli), *cough* gained five pounds *cough*, went on a horrid ride to the salt River Canyon, and many other things.  I bought souvenirs and even got some political campaign buttons (and a book by Hillary Clinton) for less than ten dollars!
     While at the Desert Museum, I saw a rare lizard which is only one of two poisonous lizards in North America (I don't remember the name but I think it was a heela-monster and yes the spelling is wrong). I did not see the Grand Canyon though.  I also went to Mexico which was cool. I walked into Mexico and I walked back into the United States.  It was much easier to return to the United States from Mexico than it was to return to the United States from Canada.
     Overall, Arizona was a nice place to visit and the people were pleasant; however, I couldn't get past the backwardness of the political climate.  I really can't stand that idiot in the state governorship. I really don't understand her anti-immigration campaign. Her idea of "building a fence" is simply stupid!  There is a fence already in place at the border and I am certain it is made of either tin or aluminum.  During my time at the border - on both sides - there were at least 15-30 border patrol agents doing nothing except holding the ground in place.  This was also the case in New Mexico and Texas.  We don't need a fence - which will cost billions of dollars both in labor and training more agents to guard the fence, we need those on the taxpayer's payroll to quit standing around and actually do their jobs.  While I'm on this topic, by only asking, "Are you an American citizen" and with a sufficient "yes", the people are let through without question is really insulting.  Why not provide valid proof such as a U.S. Passport, a driver's license, or some other form of excepted identification (at the border I might add).  Also, it would help to bear in mind the 4th amendment to the Constitution and not just go on the racial profiling.  I am in favor of that.  Here is what I am not in favor of and really makes me mad both as a Hispanic and as an American: Being an American citizen with a tan complexion being told to open his truck, have his luggage searched through, having his car license plates run through a database, and flat out asking if he is a citizen of the United States and where he is going and what he is doing! Nevermind the fact that he has his passport, his driver's license from North Carolina (which, last I checked was in the United States), and cooperated in the best way he knew how even though it took every ounce of himself to not get in a shouting match and make a (valid) scene of racial profiling. One would think the passport alone would have validated the citizenship but oh no, NOT in the state of TEXAS!!! Yes, I am referring to my time in Texas east of El Paso (this part is in the first part of my blog entry). I've said it time and time again - let Hispanic Americans be in charge of - and lead - all Hispanic issues.  Furthermore, being Hispanic does NOT mean you are automatically a Mexican! I always thought the people were more open-minded and tolerant but clearly I was mistaken when it comes to the southwestern part of the United States.
   Overall, I had a good time out in Arizona and I plan on returning next year to "the Grand Canyon State" to visit my family.  Hopefully, I'll be able to see the Grand Canyon and visit a few more National Parks - mainly for the stamp to put in my National Park Passport...and yes, President Bartlett would be proud of me!    

In the Defense of Teachers

     Okay, I don't know what the deal is with society and its recent rant against teachers.  I've heard mediocre actors complain about teachers, I've heard stories from many friends - who ironically are teachers, and even elected politicians who complain about teachers.  Have we as a society forgotten that if it were not up to teachers, we would still be living in the dark ages...or at least be speaking a different language like Greek?  Besides, some of the world's greatest individuals were teachers.  Consider Socrates, Aristotle, Da Vinci, Einstein....the list goes on and on!  Also, for those that rely on the Christian religion (which I am not disrespecting by the way)....JESUS WAS A TEACHER!!!
    While the evolution of teaching has been apparent since its inception, it should never be dubbed as "an easy occupation" to have.  In addition to the countless hours they spend making lesson plans (which are subjected to approval by the guidelines set forth by both the state and national governments), gathering supplies for their students, and encounter challenges such as the memorization of countless names, course materials, they have multiple interactions of parents of said students.  Not every family is such a cookie-cutter one.  In fact, there is this weird thing about once a child is born, the parents seem to think that they can do no wrong.  As the kid goes to school, the same belief holds true.  The parent only becomes involved with their child's learning process if the child is challenged to the point that it is not suitable for the parent (and thus make them feel uncomfortable).  In turn, the parent goes and yells at the teacher for daring them to challenge their child.  In case they forgot, that is what school is supposed to do. It is, I repeat, IT IS A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT!!!
     One thing that really bothers me is those individuals who feel that they are entitled to everything and place all of their shortcomings on those that "taught them" or "neglected" them.  While Kristin Stewart DOES come to mind, I will not re-live my rant on this poor, pathetic, not-even-a-real-actress-because-she-can't-act person.  No, I will not do that (but if you want to know what I said, then look me up in Facebook as that is where I posted it...I was a little upset).  Actually, I will bring it up - this "twilight star" decided to blame her former teachers on her short-comings in life.  I'll post an excerpt of my rant:


"Furthermore, if anything - you failed yourself and not blame others for your lack of maturity. How stupid! Seriously, Teachers are under-paid and seriously overworked in the country. They deserve more than enough than some stupid, "teachers failed me even though I'm living in Hollywood making movies and doing less-than-acceptable acting because I have no talent..." Gosh, grow the heck up!


 By the way, usually if someone can't manage their own load they tend to eliminate one thing.....so "the delicate balancing act of managing school, auditions and cinematic roles" was too much then you should have just stuck with school...even though I'm sure you were not that good at even that some chapter in your life...a disappointment to only yourself and your less-than mediocre lifestyle...again, STFU because Teachers are the best thing for this country!

"They didn't want to do the extra work or put packages together so I could keep up while away. My teachers failed me. not one, but all of them. Escuse me you stupid girl.....YOU ARE SUPPOSE to do the WORK!!!!...if you can't manage it then drop the fricking acting; it's not like you can do that anyway.....they aren't there to wipe your butt too! Maybe if you had of shown up to class you would have been able to DO THE WORK YOURSELF!!! again....STFU and get over yourself! " 


     Now I'm sorry if I offended anyone, HOWEVER, I do take Education, Foreign Policy and Healthcare, VERY serious and I will defend ANYONE who attacks a teacher and their job.  It takes a lot as well as a special person to want to educate the next generations of the world.  In addition, I want to be an English teacher.  I know I was not an ideal student.  With that said, I know how to help mitigate the obstacles many students are facing both inside, and outside, the classroom.  As a student of political science, it makes me SOOO MAD that there are politicians who want to eliminate the Department of Education EVEN THOUGH it allowed those politicians who get an education through pell grants and Financial aid.  The only thing I will say is this.....my closest friends are teachers, friends who went to school for education, or even friends who are working in the academic environment.  One part of my philosophy is NEVER GO AFTER my friends because I will defend them no matter what.




     One more thing....if a parent really is so "teachers are the problem" or somehow in that mindset....then please home-school your child and see just how far they will go in life and see how competitive they are.  Now I am not saying all home-school is bad and I am not saying that those who are home-schooled are worse citizens; I am simply stating that if you think you can do such a better job at educating your child than a teacher, then please do so - but personally, I feel that a parent will reap what they sow regarding their child's future.

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