the Newly Elected Congressman, Kennedy!

 

                                

At 32, Democrat Joseph P. Kennedy III, has succeeded former Massachusetts’s Congressman Barney Frank, as the Massachusetts’s 4^th congressional representative. With 42% of the votes counted, Kennedy has 64% of the votes in the redrawn 4^th Congressional District. The redrawned district now includes Newton Fall River. Joe’s win restored the family long connection to the nation’s capital but brings to congress new ideas and representation from Massachusetts. Since the beginning of his campaign, Joe has consistently expressed his faith in the American people, and his desire to make conditions in Massachusetts better. He believes that as a nation, we can come together because we believe in the simple, American idea that hard work pays off; that each of us deserve the same opportunity.[1]It is this promise that has kept his ground game succeeding throughout the race as he determines to fight for congress. The votes he received on the election night is a testimony of the fact that the citizens of the 4^th District have faith in him to represent them in Congress. He brings to congress the issues that matter most. Kennedy brings to the table of fellow congressman new ideas but also recognizes the role of the legislator requires to find a common ground. The country is populated with diverse groups. For this reason, he plans to push congress and the federal government to acknowledge the diverse nature of the population and to act to improve the lives of all Americans.

Joe Kennedy won on the basis of his message to voters across the district, and there is no evidence that his name recognition really mattered. Thanking his supporters, Joe thanked his hardworking volunteers and the faith they placed in him.  Joe promised to pick up the mantle from where former congressman Barney Frank left of. His tremendously proud family legacy, as he told news correspondents and voters, have taught him to put in hard work and that will make a difference. An inspiration too many, Joe brings to the table a promise he made to people of Massachusetts to fight for fair tax code so billionaires pay the same tax rate as middle class families; a congressman who will fight for investment in education and infrastructure so businesses have the tools to create jobs; a balance solution to the deficit; protecting social security and Medicare.[2]

 

Retrieved from http://joekennedy2012.com/

 

 

Work Cited 

Joe Kennedy’s Campaign Website: http://joekennedy2012.com/ 

Boston Globe: Article “Kennedy takes Fourth district congressional seat in decisive win over Bielat” http://www.boston.com/metrodesk/2012/11/06/kennedy-takes-fourth-congressional-seat-decisive-win-over-bielat/60L5XbooNio2EJbN63nmiO/story.html

Boston Hearld.com “Joseph P. Kennedy III vows to ‘pick up’ where Barney Frank left off” http://bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20221107bielat_good_campaign_vs_joe_k

CBS Boston: Article “ ‘Kennedy’ name returns to congress as Joe Kennedy III wins 4^th District” http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/11/06/kennedy-name-returns-to-congress-as-joe-kennedy-iii-wins-4th-district/

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[1] CBS Boston http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/11/06/kennedy-name-returns-to-congress-as-joe-kennedy-iii-wins-4th-district/

[2] Joe Kennedy’s Campaign Website: http://joekennedy2012.com/

Kennedy vs. Bielat

In the last few months, the two aspirants competing over a single seat at the US House of Representatives, candidates Joseph (Joe) P. Kennedy and Sean Bielat have spent endless hours campaigning across the traditionally blue state or democratic district. Their goal is not only to rally the individual political base, but also to win the support of most of the independent voters in the 4th congressional district. Each candidate, demonstrating the strengths and areas of improvement, has made their case in the 4^th congressional district as to why voters should elect them to the Congress. The popular question is, will the “Kennedy” name be to the advantage of Joe Kennedy?  Put differently, will Joe be judged on the basis of the legacy built by the Kennedy family? Why should the electorates in the Massachusetts district vote for Joe to be the next congressman? Although, the Kennedys are known for their extraordinary public record, this may not necessarily be the yield stick voters would use to measure the expected performance of Joe should he get to the Congress. On the other hand, Bielat’s supporters or undecided voters may question Joe’s lack of experience to that of Sean’s qualifications. Regardless of the fact that Joe is one of the Kennedys, I strongly believe Joe as an individual and the values he holds has better chances of gaining more support in his district. Joe is very proud of his public service record, legal aide volunteering, and as a young prosecutor. Speaking to his supporters in the congressional district, Joe is asking his supporters not to judge him by his affiliation with the Kennedys, but to consider his public service record. Although, the Kennedy legacy cannot be discounted.

At the age of 32, Joe attaches more importance to the significantly high college debts incurred by students, the deficit crisis and civil rights issues regarding women’s rights and same-sex union. He is a young, and have a better understanding of diversity. He knows how to help the district work with the diversity in Massachusetts and across America. Speaking voters, especially the undecided voters in the 4^th congressional district, Joe promised to be good representative for the district. Sean differs from Joe in many ways but their biggest difference is the belief in fairness and equality. Throughout Sean’s campaign, Sean has based his argument on the need to address the debt crisis, improve college education and strengthened national security. These tend to resonate well with his republican base. But whether that will win him independent votes is subject to debate. Moreover, he has failed to address the current social issues such as, equality in the work place, women’s rights such as women’s right to choose and same sex union. Times are changing, Sean’s inability to acknowledge these changes may make voters to question his ability to be a good representative of for people in the 4^th congressional district. Regardless of what each candidate says, the final decision would be made by the Massachusetts voters.

 

 

                                                                                        Retrieved from http://joekennedy2012.com/

 

 

Work Cited

 

Joe Kennedy’s Campaign Website http://joekennedy2012.com/

            Sean Bielat’s Campaign Website http://www.seanforcongress.com/ 

Voting

When voting for candidates in a democratic country, citizens choose a candidate they think would best represent their interests. Voters can also re-elect the officials they agreed with and kick the ones they disagree with. In America, voting is a fundamental human right that the American constitution provides. However, over the past years, censuses indicate a low voter turnout and participation rate. In Massachusetts, during 1998-2008 elections, of the 60% registered voters, only 40% voted in the congressional elections.[1] What will the congress do to increase voter turnout? In other words, how will the next 4^th congressional district do to improve voting performance rate in the district? 

Nowadays, in most states, people are required to show a photo ID before they can vote. The problem is not everyone has a photo ID. Sean proposes in congress to restore the voting register. This will in turn, restore the trust in the voting process and participatory model.[2] Joe too believes there is a problem with people not being able to provide ID in order to vote. However, Joe differs slightly from his opponent Sean. Joe proposes, if elected, not supporting government that requires low income families, low income individuals to get photo ID in order to exercise their fundamental rights. Joe will push for congress in changing laws that will help support those who are on financial assistance. In addition, Joe will push for more civil groups that increase voter turnout. Two examples of civil groups are Rock the vote, an organization that helps people, in particular the younger population, to vote on college campuses. Encouraging civil groups will help bring people together. This will increase voter turnout during elections.

 

 

Work Cited

Kenneth, Janda & et. “The Challenge of Democracy American Government in Global Politics, Essentials Editions. Eight Edition. 2012 p.164-78 

            United States Census Bureau “Voting Trends in Massachusetts” http://smpbff1.dsd.census.gov/TheDataWeb_HotReport/servlet/HotReportEngineServlet?reportid=398fab72c85a12476d7f6ee708a63c75&emailname=essb@boc&filename=0328a.hrml

Sean Bielat- Joe Kennedy III Debate at Wellesley College (Part 5/7)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzMwZvXZhPE&NR=1&feature=endscreen

 

 

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[1] United States Census Bureau “Voting Trends in Massachusetts” http://smpbff1.dsd.census.gov/TheDataWeb_HotReport/servlet/HotReportEngineServlet?reportid=398fab72c85a12476d7f6ee708a63c75&emailname=essb@boc&filename=0328a.hrml 

[2] Sean Bielat- Joe Kennedy III Debate at Wellesley College (Part 5/7)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzMwZvXZhPE&NR=1&feature=endscreen

 

Immigration

Sean supports a change in immigration policy as federal government’s negligence on immigration and boarder security jeopardizes the safety of the American people. If elected to congress, he will push for for immigration reform. His change requires:

1.      Secure our borders to seal out terrorist, drug gangs and human traffickers

2.      Recognize and address the special burden on border states

3.      Welcome documented works who keep our economy strong and contribute to our social fabric

4.      Investigate immigration status only if someone is stopped for other violations; Americans, regardless of their ethnicity, must never feel as though their country does not welcome them

[1]

Joe also supports a comprehensive immigration reform based on few principles.

1.      Securing our borders so government knows who is entering the country and protecting the country from every possible threat

2.      Renovating the H1B Visa program. As many students enter the country to study at one of the country’s top schools the government does not provide graduates the opportunity to stay or create business. Instead, Joe plans to push congress in expanding the HBI system so graduates can create business in Massachusetts and across America and create more jobs for the economy.

3.      There are 12million Americans who are undocumented. America cannot deport 12million people, it is not feasible. Instead under Joes’ leadership will work with congress in push for finding alternative options for those who do live in the country by getting them on the tax roll and earning their ways to citizenship.

[2]

 

As both candidates share similar views in protecting the US borders, the policies on how to deal with undocumented people differ. Sean’s role as a possible representative would want the government to go directly to the source by working with employers. Employers will crack down on employees who are undocumented to be deported and those who are not to continue working.[3] He, however, agrees it is not feasible to get rid of 12 million people. However, those who are entering the country, however way they entered, should not be allowed to stay. I would agree with Sean’s discretion on making strict laws and regulations that discourage people from illegally entering the country. The United States has seen terrorism come into the northern border and the safety of the American people is put to risk. However, at the same time a majority of undocumented people entering America are also trying to live the American Dream. It is unknown who these people are, but some would contest being refugees from third world countries, war zones and civil rights violations. It would not be fair for those who have come to the United States, trying to make a better life for them and their families, to be deported. Instead, Joe’s immigration plan in pushing congress to find alternative options for undocumented people is a good resolution in immigration forms. It will force those who are illegally entering the country to get on the pay roll, paying a fee and getting in the back of the line of citizenship offices. It is an alternative option for undocumented citizens to earn their citizenship and getting copy rights to immigration reform.

 

Work Cited 

Sean Bielat’s Official Website “Immigration and border security” http://www.seanforcongress.com/immigration_and_border_security 

Sean Bielat- Joe Kennedy III Debate at Wellesley College (Part 3/5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSxO7EaIqes&feature=autoplay&list=PLRe0KrUwWVHmPiX1pQ2FTNn6MuGeVaysQ&playnext=1

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[1] Sean Bielat’s Official Website “Immigration and border security” http://www.seanforcongress.com/immigration_and_border_security

[2] Sean Bielat- Joe Kennedy III Debate at Wellesley College (Part 3/5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSxO7EaIqes&feature=autoplay&list=PLRe0KrUwWVHmPiX1pQ2FTNn6MuGeVaysQ&playnext=1

[3] Ibid

Local Concerns

The South Coast Rail project is a major concern for the residents of Massachusetts. The project was designed to restore passenger rail transportation from South Station in Boston to the South Coast of Massachusetts, costing nearly half a billion dollars in economic development each year.[1] A local concern, Massachusetts resident’s question the measure congress will take in helping to finish the project and deal with other local concerns. Both Joe and Sean believe the South Coast Rail is an appropriate place for congressional overview in bringing the rail to the South Coast and making use of assets that are down there and not available outside of Boston.[2] In addition, both believe in supporting the community and economic developments, such as the re-development of the Fall River Waterfront. Although, both candidates share the same views regarding the importance of the South Coast Rail project, how is either candidate going to balance each community’s wants and needs from various line items in the federal budget?

Joe’s overview of the 4^th congressional district is the people residing in the district with a very diverse economic outlook. The district is made up of some who are wired into the innovation economy and the high-tech economy that’s powering the greater Boston area; some who are world leaders like EMC corporate, world leader data storage, that have local global headquarters in Hopkinton, their biggest manufacturer is in Franklin; some who are medical companies and world class computer design company; and also an extraordinary proud and historic work ethic tradition of innovation through many of these gate way cities like Fall River.[3] The strategy as a congressman will be for Joe to balance the strengths in all areas in the district and come up with a comprehensive development plan. Meanwhile, Sean is determined to tackle local issues that affect each area differently, while at the same time finding ways to grow the economy, create more jobs and provide economic stability. Both candidates agree that regardless of what political party an individual may belong, we are all Americans.

Work Cited

South Coast Rail http://www.southcoastrail.com/

The America Dream Debate (Part 3/5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCs3bhWuhuM&feature=bf_prev&list=PLRe0KrUwWVHmPiX1pQ2FTNn6MuGeVaysQ  

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[1] South Coast Rail http://www.southcoastrail.com/

[2] The America Dream Debate (Part 3/5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCs3bhWuhuM&feature=bf_prev&list=PLRe0KrUwWVHmPiX1pQ2FTNn6MuGeVaysQ

[3] Ibid

Same-Sex Marriage

Massachusetts has challenged the constitutionality of the defense of marriage act. This act prohibits federal recognition of same-sex marriage performed in the state but reside in other states where same-sex unions are allowed. Both Joe and Sean have two very different opinions. Joe believes that marriage should not necessary be a union of a male and a female but between two parties it may be, regardless of their sexual orientation. In ensuring race to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, all key parts of the American dream, how is a possible for a congressional representative to ensure everyone’s rights in Massachusetts? Speaking on behalf of gay and lesbian community, as a possible voter, I would not feel my rights would be protected under Sean’s leadership. Although Sean proposes that the state needs a framework, some sort of legal construct, where states recognize gay marriage in one state and a state that does not.[1] His proposal on sanctioning rights to one state and not to another excludes a percentage of the American population.

 Isn’t America founded on the principles that each individual deserves to be treated fairly by the government and by each other? Sean’s values only support heterosexual relationships and not the relationships of bisexual, asexual or homosexual relationships. As a possible representative to the 4^th congressional district, the rights and freedoms in the district would need to be represented in congress. Many closet or open gay voters would not know what will be their rights under his leadership. Moreover, Joe believes in fairness. His strong advocacy for the rights of gays and lesbians goes back to the issues of fairness. If elected, Joe would argue that the government should not tell an individual who he/she can love or who he/she can marry.[2] A huge supporter in repealing the defense of marriage act, Joe is determined to push government to end the marriage act; as well as, to make sure that everyone has the rights and freedom and not be discriminated against in their work place. As a gay voter, Joe represents the population as a whole, working with a diverse population. According to Joe, individuals should feel comfortable and not “re-closet” themselves. Joe embraces the fight for fairness and equality for the people in Massachusetts and Americans across the country, the role he will play as a representative in sustaining those rights.

 

Work Cited 

The American Debate (Part 4/5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnZFQMpFsGg&feature=bf_next&list=PLRe0KrUwWVHmPiX1pQ2FTNn6MuGeVaysQ

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[1] The American Debate (Part 4/5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnZFQMpFsGg&feature=bf_next&list=PLRe0KrUwWVHmPiX1pQ2FTNn6MuGeVaysQ

[2] Ibid

Job and Economy

The United States is recovering from one of the worst economic recessions since the Great Depression. As politicians, political scientists and economists map out a plan to boost the economy; hundreds of thousands of Americans are still unemployed. Americans wonder, what roles will the government make in creating jobs? Will the next Massachusetts congressman formulate an economic plan for the 4^th congressional district and government to create more jobs? 

In order to a build coalition and make consensus to help move America forward, Joe believes voters need a leader who can bring the nation together despite the individual differences on various issues. The American economy needs a balance mix of spending cuts and revenue increases in order to promote economic growth. The backbone of the economy, in particular the 4^th District is small businesses. In order to improve the economy, Joe’s economic plan consists of three elements:

1.      Access to capital in a tough credit environment

 

2.      Ensuring an educative work force

In the state of Massachusetts, 200 000 people are structurally unemployed and there are 130 000 job openings that require the skills that the jobless do not have. If elected, Joe plans to push for a better education system by strengthening the community colleges and vocational schools. In doing this, it will encourage graduates to have the skills sets they need to enter these particular jobs.

An example is Massachusetts Medical Device Manufacture in Franklin. The company is searching for people to hire but they cannot find people who have the skills they need to fill the vacancies right away; these jobs pay $40 000 or $50 000 a year.[1] At the same time, Joe is aware that the Community College at Commonwealth has workforce development programs, they have put together for re-training individuals for those who have lost their jobs because of some companies being sold or bought out.[2]

3.      Need to put America investment capital to work

Joe will team up with congress in creating a plan that removes the uncertainty from the market. That being said, by eliminating the uncertainty from the market a real investment plan can be formulated that marketers have faith in and that the American people can believe in.             

[3]

  

Analysis/Critique on Opponent: Sean Bielat

 

Also a strong supporter for pushing government to create more jobs, Sean agrees in mapping a new economic plan but disagrees with Joe’s inactions of solving the economic state by a mixture of spending cuts and increasing revenues. Instead, Sean believes, in order to boost the economy it requires government spending and tax reliefs. Sean heavily favours tax reliefs for Americans, especially in the 4^th congressional district.  Tax relief allows families and businesses to make decisions. Agreeing with Sean’s plan on tax relief, families and business are able to take control of their own finances. An individual would have in the family’s best interest the things they require/the necessities need during the time; as well as, a business having the knowledge if needing capital to gain growth in the business. The result of Sean’s economic plan is it gets a more efficient allocation of capital then would under a government spending program which is focusing funds on districts that have political power influential representatives.[4]  

Both candidates have good ideas about how to boost economic growth. However, their approaches differ from each other. Although Joe finds that a mixture of balancing spending and increasing revenue entails a forward moving America, about half of the discretionary spending, which is a third of the budget, is defense spending. [5] Sean expresses the concern on the un-necessary spending by the American government. Once getting rid of spending there will be more room for economic growth. On the other hand, Sean’s economic plan does show a downfall spiral. When elected Sean plans to support and implement the Paul Ryan budget plan. Meanwhile, the Ryan budget introduces vouchers which people can use in the private health market. It cuts Medicaid for those who depend on it; cuts a million of students off federal Pell Grants in the next decade; cut two hundred thousand students off of Head Start Program in 2014 alone; cuts three trillion dollars in programs for working families and passes a tax break of nearly four hundred thousand dollars onto the average millionaire.[6] 

Sean’s support for the Paul Ryan budget would not help America grow. It would increase the income for the average millionaires and cut a lot of federal government funding and programs that is needed for many Americans.  Voters would have more faith in Joe’s economic plan as he demonstrates knowledge in pushing government to create a long-term debt and deficit approach that removes the uncertainty from the marking place and allow businesses to grow. However, at the same time, if Joe is elected, he can use Sean’s idea of giving money to back businesses and families. Not only will help stabilize the economy, but as well, supporting/helping have the markets grow capital.

 

Work Cited 

WCVB: Bielat vs. Kennedy Debate (Part 1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bX3NR6O-T8U&feature=bf_prev&list=PLRe0KrUwWVHmPiX1pQ2FTNn6MuGeVaysQ 

The American Dream Debate (Part 1/5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHU2ug424ik&feature=relmfus 

Sean Bielat- Joe Kennedy III Debate at Wellesley College (Part 2/7) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFi1eneZOrw&list=PLRe0KrUwWVHmPiX1pQ2FTNn6MuGeVaysQ&index=11&feature=plpp_video

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[1] The American Dream Debate (Part 1/5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHU2ug424ik&feature=relmfu

[2] Ibid

[3] WCVB: Bielat vs. Kennedy Debate (Part 1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bX3NR6O-T8U&feature=bf_prev&list=PLRe0KrUwWVHmPiX1pQ2FTNn6MuGeVaysQ

[4] WCVB: Bielat vs. Kennedy Debate (Part 1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bX3NR6O-T8U&feature=bf_prev&list=PLRe0KrUwWVHmPiX1pQ2FTNn6MuGeVaysQ

[5] The American Dream Debate (Part 1/5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHU2ug424ik&feature=relmfus

[6] Sean Bielat- Joe Kennedy III Debate at Wellesley College (Part 2/7) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFi1eneZOrw&list=PLRe0KrUwWVHmPiX1pQ2FTNn6MuGeVaysQ&index=11&feature=plpp_video