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

A Common Ground

Congressional candidates Joseph Kennedy III and Sean Bielat have disagreed on every major single issue, whether it jobs and the economy, women’s rights, education or deficit crisis. However, what both candidates do disagree on assisted suicide and medical use of marijuana. Both candidates do not support prescribing medications to end life regardless of the person’s state. Regardless of an individual’s state in the hospital whether it is being in a coma for several months, the right to choose if someone should die should not be determined by prescribed drugs. In addition, both candidates believe legalized marijuana for medication encourages people to break the law. Kennedy, as a former prosecutor, expresses the concern some on the legalizing of marijuana. In the legalized states it has not shown any effectiveness solving the problem on drug use. Although democrats strongly support medical marijuana and generally favouring the legalization of assisted suicide, Joe shows common ground to his opponent.

 

 

Work Cited

WCVB Bielat vs. Kennedy Debate (Part2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69He-l8I8iA&list=PLRe0KrUwWVHmPiX1pQ2FTNn6MuGeVaysQ&index=5&feature=plpp_video

National Review online: Article “Kenned/Bielat both oppose assisted suicide and medical marijuana http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/328819/kennedybielat-both-oppose-assisted-suicide-and-medical-marijuana-ma-wesley-j-smith#

Foreign Policy and Security

Following the tragedy of 9/11, all politicians stress the need to ensure the safety and security of the nation. That is, a greater obligation to protect US citizens at home and abroad.  Joe’s engagement to the global fight against terrorism is to eliminate inequalities in the world by demonstrating smart and strategic plans by and creating a balance of soft and hard power.[1] The building of nuclear weaponry in America implies to eliminate threats from nations, such as Iran, who pose a threat to the world.

The US 64year friendship with Israel is rooted on shared values of democracy, human rights, religious freedom, tolerance and the common interest to sustain a peaceful and stable Middle East.[2] Their strong friendship has gathered the American people in protecting Israel from nuclear threats made by Iran. In the efforts to contain the growth of nuclear weapons, the US feels obligated in protecting their allies and to be a demonstration to the rest of the world as a strong democratic power. 

If elected, the measures Joe will take in stopping Iran from getting nuclear capability will be to use a diplomatic solution; and that war with Iran should be the last resort. President Obama and his administration have put the most aggressive sanctions in the history of Iran and if Iran does not oblige the American government will take measures in their own hands.

 

Analysis/Critique on Opponent: Sean Bielat 

           Sean, on the other hand, completely disagrees with Joe’s idea of using diplomatic resolution to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear capability. Instead, Sean believes the US government need to join forces with Israel in taking a firm stand against Iran. Sean expresses his concerns of the need for someone with national security experience in congress. As a former Marine, Sean has spent most of his career working on national security in both the military and private sector; in addition, worked with Israeli Defense Forces.[3] The US and Israel relationship is very important. Sean expresses the threat Iran poses to the Middle East and the United States and its willingness to explore military technologies. Instead, Sean believes voters should support a strong leader, like himself, who has the leadership experience that responds without hesitation in protecting America’s interest and the national security of Israel and other allies in the Middle East.[4]

Although Sean believes in the use of force, Joe’s proposal for diplomatic resolution seems to resonate with many Americans as a realistic solution in improving relations in the Middle East

 

 

Work Cited 

Joe Kennedy’s Campaign Website:  http://joekennedy2012.com/where-i-stand/#foreign-policy  

Sean Bielat’s Campaign Website “National Security experience in congress” http://www.seanforcongress.com/we_need_national_security_experience_in_congress 

WCVB: Bielat vs. Kennedy Debate (Part 2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69He-l8I8iA&feature=bf_next&list=PLRe0KrUwWVHmPiX1pQ2FTNn6MuGeVaysQ

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[1] Joe Kennedy’s Campaign Website: “Foreign Policy and Security” http://joekennedy2012.com/where-i-stand/#foreign-policy

[2] Ibid

[3] Sean Bielat’s Official Website “National Security  experience in congress” http://www.seanforcongress.com/we_need_national_security_experience_in_congress

[4] WCVB: Bielat vs. Kennedy Debate (Part 2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69He-l8I8iA&feature=bf_next&list=PLRe0KrUwWVHmPiX1pQ2FTNn6MuGeVaysQ

Education

 

When elected, Joe’s first action in office will be to improve the education system by focusing on the younger generation and college/university students. With regard to the younger generation, Joe believes that by investing in early childhood education it will help build a strong foundation for the growth of the child. By focusing on early childhood education, Joe will push congress to increase the budget for early childhood education. This will make education affordable for families, especially those who need financial support. This will also help eliminate education inequalities.[1] 

Joe believes that college and university education are crucial for America’s future. His solution for college student debt consists of five elements. 

First, Joe believes that the role played by government should be transparent. That is, to ensure that families and students understand when filling out college applications, that parents and students are aware of how much they are going  pay back and what the payment schedules are.[2] In addition, students should know what career path they want to follow and the opportunity to go directly into the field of their choice. An example is going into an engineering program. Many colleges and universities offer great engineering programs.[3] Although it is costly to go these colleges, the return on the investment is also high and should be known to the public. Second, putting pressure on colleges and universities to keep cost down and making sure that their tuition does not continue to increase Third, government can look at a potential launch time loan programs for those who end up performing military and public services.[4] Fourth, government can incentivize education. This means keeping the education tax credit and making it permanent. Lastly, government can make colleges more affordable by keeping interest rates on student loans low.[5] 

Joe also wants to make sure that the types of education students receive meet the needs of US industries in the 4^th district. In other words, he intends to focus on vocational schools and community colleges in preparing students to enter the high-tech, cutting-edge companies that is driving our economic future.[6] The industries and small business are the push and drive for growing the American economy.

 

Analysis on Opponent: Sean Bielat

Opponent Sean Bielat believes that education is important for America. However, Sean has a slightly different approach in resolving the college debate in America. Sean expresses concerns regarding the college loan programs, which the federal government has supported and subsidized. However, what these programs have created is an increase in tuition. In addition, lenders face no risk so they do not require credit assessment. Instead, Sean proposes to putting risk back into the game for lenders, not allowing college tuition whose exceed the cost of living or GOP to receive the full amount of loans; in addition, providing public service scholarships to help students take care of their finances.[7]

 

 

Work Cited 

Joe Kennedy’s Campaign Website: “Education” http://joekennedy2012.com/where-i-stand/#education  

WCVB: Bielat vs. Kenned Debate (Part 2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69He-l8I8iA&feature=bf_next&list=PLRe0KrUwWVHmPiX1pQ2FTNn6MuGeVaysQ 

The American Dream Debate (Part 3/5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCs3bhWuhuM&feature=relmfu

 

 

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[1] Joe  Kennedy’s Campaign Website “Education” http://joekennedy2012.com/where-i-stand/#education

[2] WCVB: Bielat vs. Kenned Debate (Part 2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69He-l8I8iA&feature=bf_next&list=PLRe0KrUwWVHmPiX1pQ2FTNn6MuGeVaysQ

[3] The American Dream Debate (Part 3/5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCs3bhWuhuM&feature=relmfu

[4] Ibid

[5] Ibid

[6] Ibid.

[7] The American Dream Debate (Part 3/5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCs3bhWuhuM&feature=relmfu

          

Women's Rights

As more women enter the workforce, the issue of equal pay for equal work “comparable worth.”[1], or the re-evaluations of the social value of “feminized jobs,” can be a game changer, as both candidates will need the women’s votes to win the elections. Joe is a strong advocate for women’s rights. He strongly believes in the basic principles of equality and fairness. When elected, he plans to represent the women in the 4^th congressional district and fight for equal rights for women across the nation. Whether it be supporting the Affordable Care Act, which protects a woman’s access to fundamental health services and makes sure gender is no longer a basis for denying or limiting care; fighting against cuts to WIC and other programs that deliver assistance to women and children who need it most; defending the funds for Planned Parenthood and for critical family planning services that too often come under political assault; and championing polices like Violence Against Women Act, his fight for women’s right will enable a supportive path for all women across the nation.[2]
 

Over the past several years, the gender pay gap has decreased. However, the gap of true pay equity is still significantly high. Women in the workforce contribute a significant amount to the economy. What Joe represents is a possibility for women to be treated fairly and equally. Joe proposes a 7 point plan for fighting for fairness for women, as women rights is not only a civil rights issue but an economic priority for the entire country as well.
 

1.      Equal pay for equal work
 

For many years, women have received a better return for their contributions in the workplace compared to their male counterparts. The gender pay ratio continues to be significantly high as women with advanced degrees earn 77% of what their male coworkers earn. It was not until the 112^th Congress had voted against women receiving equal pay for equal works, of the importance of women’s rights.[3] It worries many, especially working women, the injustice women receive in the workplace. In the United States alone women constitute half of the workplace and are principal earners in 4 out of 10 households. How is congress going to mandate these women’s rights?

Joe, if elected in office, first proposes that women should receive equal pay for equal work. He establishes the importance of the president’s passed law, called the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, to the male population. He encourages the American population on their duties in ensuring women get the pay they deserve. Joe’s advocacy will challenge congress to abolish discrimination women face in the work place and strongly support Paycheck Fairness Act that requires employers to demonstrate that pay differentials are not gender-related, and prohibits them for retaliating against workers seeking equal pay.[4]
 

2.      Women, the Economy, and Workplace Flexibility
 

Women in the United States, tremendously affect the economic growth. Accounting for more than half of college and graduate school enrollees, women are pioneers of entrepreneurships, representing 30% of small-business owners, creating business at 150% the national average and produce firms that account $1.2 trillion a year in sales.[5] Not only are women in the United States breadwinners, their responsibility demands them to be caregivers in the private sphere. In the act of minimizing women and men discrimination in the workplace, Joe’s proposal is to modernize the workplace to meet the needs of America’s workforce. He will accomplish this goal by providing paid family leave and help ease the burden on working women and their families.[6] President Obama has set at aside $50 million in his budget. Obama’s budget will help find alternative solutions for Americans without having them choose between supporting a family and caring for one.
 

3.      Early Childhood Care and Education
 

In the United States, a family of two parents pay about 14.2% of childcare while a single mother pays an astonishing 53.6% of her take-home pay.[7] It is unbelievable the amount of money parents pay for a single child, not alone two or three children. However, a child’s development is crucial in early childhood education yet a percentage of families cannot afford early development for their child/children. How are working families and supporting women able to sustain a work family balance yet provide excellent care and quality education for their children?

Joe proposes, under his leadership, to use the $50million granted by Obama’s administrations in winning the Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge, in doing more in protecting and expanding on such programs, as well as closely examining ways to improve their efficacy.[8]
 

4.      A Woman’s Right to Choose
 

In the past two years, Massachusetts has witnessed unacceptable assaults on women’s health. Joe’s strong advocacy for Planned Parenthood ensures critical health services for women.

Joe believes in granting all women full access to health services and support for a woman’s right to choose as in Roe v. Wade.[9] He firmly believes that women should be allowed to make important choices regarding their lives and health in consultation with their doctors. A woman should be entitled to full accessibility to health care options, including contraception, maternity and newborn care and confidential health services. Joe’s leadership will champion the course of woman to make these independent decisions about their body.[10]
 

5.      Protecting Women’s Health
 

Fifth on the agenda, is Joe’s stand on Affordable Care Act. The Affordable Care Act delivers essential every day care to women and children. About 19% of no-elderly adult Massachusetts women and 31% of Massachusetts children rely on MassHealth.[11] The importance of the healthcare system provides women the opportunity to access affordable health care services such as birth controls, mammograms, cervical cancer screenings, etc...
 

6.      Strengthening the Violence Against Women Act

Since the landmark Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) became law 18 years ago, Massachusetts has witnessed marked improvements in responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.[12] Joe, as a former prosecutor, supports revitalizing the VAWA, which expired in 2011, and strengthening the existing laws which provide improved protections for Native America women, immigrant women, and same-sex couples. He also believes that regardless of ethnicity, heritage or sexual orientation, everyone person who lives in America should be free from the threat of violence.[13]
 

7.      Women in the Military
 

Lastly, Joe is interested in increased participation of women in the military force and that their rights should be protected. It is estimated that by 2025, women will account for 25% of U.S armed forces. The diversity in the military will be filled by the most qualified personnel, regardless of gender. Unfortunately, there have been cases of more women who are either sexually assaulted or harassed during their military service, and end up leaving the military. Joe will push congress to change the culture that finds outcomes permissible and ensure the military is adequately prosecuting perpetrators.[14] In addition, Congress should concentrate on the 1.2million women veterans and the challenges they face with homelessness and veteran-housing for their children. Women soldiers have brought courage, hard work, skills and diversity to their ranks. Joe believes they deserve policies adapted to better meet their needs.[15]

 

Analysis/Critique on Opponent: Sean Bielat

        As mentioned earlier, Joe is running against GOP candidate Sean Bielat. Joe and Sean have two very different beliefs regarding Women’s Rights. In the candidate’s first televised debate on WCVB, Sean, a prolife advocate, stated that congress should repeal Roe v. Wade. It is because, like most Republicans, particularly the religious right, Sean believes it is the right way to make legislation for sweeping social changes through legislators and voting processors.[16]

Speaking on behalf of women voters in the USA, my rights as a woman would be in jeopardy under the leadership of Sean. Why? Although, Sean believes in the social and political movement for saving a life, the entitlement a women has over her body would not be a right. Regardless going or not going through an abortion, health concerns such as rape and the endangerment to a women’s health would not be seen as an important issue to Sean and his team. A question some may wonder is whether Sean values equality for both men and women, whether it being health concerns or in the workforce. 

 In the candidate’s last debate, Sean informed his female audience about his understanding of women’s issues to be different from that of Joe. He hears issues that matter to all and believes the concerns on paying for the bills; helping family growth; paying for the children’s education are all women issues. Questions concerning how national security looks like or how it should look like? Sean believes are also women’s issues.

 

In the debate, Joe criticized his opponent by restating his strong support for women’s ability to access safe and confidential healthcare as it is a basic constitutional protection. [17] Joe’s fight for fairness for women ensures women to have equal opportunities, as do the male population. The rights of women need to be fought and preserved as women constitute the majority of the population.

Work Cited

Enloe, Cynthia & Joni Seager (2011).“The Real State of America Atlas”Mapping the myths and truths of the United States. Penguin Books. USA (pp.52)

Joe Kennedy’s Campaign Website: “Fighting Fairness for Women” http://joekennedy2012.com/fighting-for-fairness-for-women/

WCVB: Bielat vs. Kennedy Debate (Part 2)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69He-l8I8iA&feature=bf_next&list=PLRe0KrUwWVHmPiX1pQ2FTNn6MuGeVaysQ

Sean Bielat-Joe Kennedy III Debate at Wellesley College (Part 3/7) http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=wSxO7EaIqes

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[1] Cythnia Enloe & Joni Seager, “The Real State of America Atlas” p.52

[2] Sean Bielat’s Campaign Website  “Fighting for fairness for women”: http://joekennedy2012.com/where-i-stand/#womens-rights

[3] Ibid

[4] Ibid

[5] Ibid

[6] Ibid

[7] Ibid

[8] Ibid

[9] Ibid

[10] Ibid

[11] Ibid

[12] Ibid

[13] Ibid

[14] Ibid

[15] Ibid

[16] WCVB: Bielat vs. Kennedy Debate (Part 2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69He-l8I8iA&feature=bf_next&list=PLRe0KrUwWVHmPiX1pQ2FTNn6MuGeVaysQ

[17] Sean Bielat-Joe Kennedy III Debate at Wellesley College http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=wSxO7EaIqes (Part 3/7)