United States | Green Party Information

Save Money by Going Green

: Image via Wikipedia

Many people give little attention to their personal finances. Because they lack basic money management skills, most Americans find themselves deep in debt. Fortunately, there are resources like www.totalbankruptcy.com where they can get guidance. For those who aren’t yet in dire straights with their finances, there are some ways to reduce monthly expenditures through recycling and reusing, strategies promoted by the Green Party. This will free up money so you can begin paying off those credit cards.

There are many ways to reuse items you already own instead of buying new products. For example, instead of buying that fancy little roll of plastic bags to hold your baby’s dirty diapers, save plastic bags from the grocery store and use those for diaper disposal. Save padded envelopes that come in the mail. You can simply cover up the old label with a homemade one and use it the next time you need to mail something. Instead of tossing “disposable” plastic storage containers and flatware, wash them and reuse them until they are worn out. Forget about buying special fabric to clean your car. Cut up old towels and put them to good use. Use old magazines or newspapers to wrap gifts. Transform brown paper bags into coloring surfaces for the kids.

By simply collecting aluminum cans and glass bottles, you can make some pocket change when you turn them in for recycling. Find out what other materials your local recycling center will offer money and begin collecting those items too.
Don’t overlook the value of giving new life to things other people are ready to trash. A can of paint or varnish can revive an old piece of furniture. Free clothing that’s in good condition can save you from spending tons of money on children’s outfits. Used toys promise plenty of fun to children who have never played with them.

Filed Under: Candidates Tagged With: Business, Environment, Money management, Personal finance, Plastic bag, Recycling, Reuse, United States

Constitution as Politics

: Image by Getty Images via @daylife

When pundits declare that modern politicians are trampling on the Constitution the declaration might be more of plea for attention than a statement based on fact. The United States was founded based on a code of laws that applied to the era. While an element exists to elevate the Constitution to the status of a sacred cow, the document was created by humans and is flawed despite its brilliance.

The Founding Fathers would not have recognized the nation they created 100 years after its birth let alone the modern United States. Technology has caused such an inconceivable shift in the way that humans live that laws created by those who grew up in the 18th Century could not possibly be the sole basis for governance in modern times.

Despite the understanding that change is inevitable, the Constitution has become a political issue lately. The debate centers on whether the Constitution is a living document or if it is open to interpretation. The debate between strict constructionists or those with a more liberal view of the Constitution became part of the media horse race between Republicans and Democrats. While the debate might create a strong narrative the argument is more about political stance than actual concerns with governance.

How could people that saw the horse and wind powered sails as the ultimate forms of transportation conceive of a world with instantaneous communication around the world? One of the most important aspects of the original draft of the Constitution was the power granted to Congress to declare war. All the combined fire power in the history of the world up to the lives of the Founding Fathers is dwarfed by the destructive power of a singular nuclear warhead.

As a result of this change in technology the president has the power to declare war almost at will. Congress has not declared war since World War II. With their own lives at risk political leanings ebb.

Filed Under: Politics Tagged With: Congress, Declaration of war, List of national founders, Politics, United States, United States Congress, United States Constitution, World War II

Democracy Slow by Design

: Image via Wikipedia

Understanding politics in modern times is nearly impossible because of the complexities of the system. Perhaps the most difficult concept to grasp is the relative lack of power that most politicians have.

Few races get more exposure than the race for seats in the U.S. Senate. With only two senators per state, a senator holds what appears to be considerable political power to make policy. Yet even the most tenured senator holds only one percent of the vote on a particular bill. This percent is reduced to even less influence because the senate alone does not make laws. Any senate vote must also pass through the U.S. House of Representatives. Any bill that miraculously makes it though the entire U.S. Congress must then be signed into law by the president.

Even then the power of a senator to make substantial change is checked by legal review. The U.S. Supreme Court can overturn laws that violate the U.S. Constitution. While this does not happen often a precedent was established first in the landmark case of Marbury v. Madison, and in the famous instance of the Supreme Court overturning aspects of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal.

Given this level of difficulty in establishing a voice as a senator, it is difficult to understand the level of scrutiny placed on the voting record of senators. Democracy was designed to limit the power of individuals and to slow down the process of taking action. While this aspect might have been for the best in an era of tyrants and kings that ruled according to “divine right” the ability of any single individual to enact major change in a democracy has been negated by design.

This does not mean that individuals have not enjoyed immense power that circumvented the system of checks and balances. But these instances are rare and marked by crisis. Critics that say Congress does nothing should know, that is what the Founding Fathers wanted.

Filed Under: Politics Tagged With: Congress, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Marbury v. Madison, United States, United States Constitution, United States Senate, United States Supreme Court, US Senate

Investing in Real Estate

: Image by andrew mace— via Flickr

In today’s economic climate, there’s really no one sure bet when it comes to investing. You work hard for your money, so you don’t want to just throw it away on any investment that may or may not make you money. In order to get the most return for your buck, you need to invest in real estate. Real estate is still the safest investment around. Real estate continues to earn many investors money, unlike the stock market which is up and down on a daily basis. You can safely invest your money in real estate if you are looking for a long-term return. Let’s look at some of the best places to invest your hard earned money.

1. New York City. New York is always a great place to invest in real estate. The exciting night life, job opportunities, and the pure energy in the city makes New York a place where people flock. Invest in New York condos to make a little bit of extra cash. Plus, you’ll always have a place to stay when you visit the Big Apple if you have a condo or two here.

2. Florida. It might seem contradictory considering the amount of foreclosures in Florida right now, but this is still a great place to invest. You can buy houses and condos for super cheap. Plus, the temperate climate will always attract visitors. Even if you just rent your place for a few years, you’ll still be making money in Florida.

3. The mid-West. While it’s not as exciting as New York or Florida, the mid-West is a great place to invest in real estate. People are emerging on cities like Omaha for good jobs, cheap real estate, and good family values.

If you want to make a return on your money, forget the stock market. You need to invest your precious cash in real estate.

Filed Under: Politics Tagged With: Big Apple, Business, Condominium, Florida, Investing, New York, Real estate, United States

Democrats offer Small Change from Republicans

: Image by Getty Images via @daylife

There is an old clichéd adage to never bring up politics or religion at dinner parties. The ensuing discussions often become heated and result in hurt feelings that ruin the party. While religion remains difficult waters to enter, politics hopefully has evolved into something that could be discussed reasonably amongst friends.

Even though health political discussion is ideal, the rhetoric has become ugly since Barrack Obama’s election. The FBI even issued a warning for domestic terrorism as right wing militias have risen in prominence with the election of a Democratic president. It is not surprising that groups of people have reacted violently when listening to right wing announcers on radio.

Personalities like Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh earn millions of dollars by pounding on war drums against the supposed left-wing conspiracy to turn the nation socialist. Despite their venom, Obama has walked the line as a centrist. Tax rates remain nearly the same as they were prior to his election, and banking laws have not radically changed.

The gridlocked American political process makes it difficult for major changes in legislation to pass. Filibusters are regularly used to combat even the slightest change in policy. Even Obama’s supposedly radical healthcare plan resembled what Republican Governor Mitt Romney passed in Massachusetts.

If Obama did not hold the label of Democrat or run under the political slogan of “hope and change” then his actions would hardly merit the public outcry and calls for revolution. Going over the tops sells and spewing venom earned Limbaugh and Beck healthy paychecks.

Rather than screaming that Obama lied or that the Democrats are too radical, Beck and Limbaugh should investigate former President Dwight D. Eisenhower. During his administration the upper tier tax rate was more than 90 percent. Using those figures makes the debate between Republican and Democrat seem almost pointless. The parties might push different policies, but the difference appears minute at best.

Filed Under: Politics Tagged With: Barack Obama, Beck, Democratic, Glenn Beck, Mitt Romney, Republican, Rush Limbaugh, United States

Palin’s Popularity a Curious Thing

: Image via Wikipedia

The United States political scene has been transformed in recent years by candidates that are willing to say almost anything, yet there are little or no consequences for their behavior. Perhaps the movement should be called the Sarah Palin effect since the trailblazing candidate ran as a family values candidate, even though her own teenage daughter was unmarried and pregnant at the time.

Rather than dismiss Palin for her often outrageous comments, supporters rallied around her and championed her as a “regular person’. Her status was earned despite her accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in gifts from the Republican National Committee and her act of cashing in on her new found celebrity. After Palin and running mate John McCain lost their 2008 bid for the White House, she returned to Alaska—for a few months. She resigned her post as governor and moved into the realm of punditry. Palin accepted millions of dollars to tell her story in a book deal and began to accept huge fees to appear as a speaker.

The notion of Palin as a public servant seems absurd when looking at her record. She briefly served as governor as her administration received numerous ethics complaints for carrying out political attacks on those who opposed her agenda. As soon as her position allowed her to venture into more profitable pursuits Palin left her post and now appears on Fox News as a political analyst. Supporters including the so-called Tea Party are calling for her to run in the 2012 presidential election. She has yet to commit, perhaps because the money is so go sitting on the sidelines. Her family is also cashing in on her fame, as her daughter Bristol has appeared on the show “Dancing with the Stars”. Bristol’s stardom is apparently based being the daughter of a one time vice presidential candidate.

Filed Under: Candidates Tagged With: Bristol, Dancing with the Stars, John McCain, Republican National Committee, Sarah Palin, United States, Vice President of the United States, White House

Class Warfare Defined

: Image via Wikipedia

Of all the hyperbole used by politicians in election ads the statement the raising taxes on the rich is “class warfare’ might be the most absurd. While taxes are always a touchy issue, it is insulting to those who died in actual “class warfare” to claim that a slight increase in the income tax rate of the richest Americans amounts to an act of violence.

The income tax rates on the richest Americans are considerably lower than during an era the many conservatives lift up as the “Golden Age”. In the post World War II years, the United States entered into an era of great economic growth despite tax raters on the highest income earners that was more than double that it is today.

A slight increase it tax on the rich might actually reduce the amount of strife between the classes. Eras in American history were the income distribution got out of control has resulted in the potential for a complete collapse of the capitalist system. In post World War I Europe, radical governments were able to rise to power due to political instability and a ruined financial system.

Post World War I Germany showed what class warfare might look like. Political assassinations were regular occurrences and political parties would often battle in the streets like armed gangs. Under the terror of this system a civilized and industrialized society turned their trust to a criminal political party. While this scenario is repeated ad nausea, the fact that it occurred and cost the lives of millions of people shows the vulgarity of using the term class warfare to describe a minor tax hike.

Class warfare occurred in Russian society, when communists murdered Czar Nicholas and his family. It occurred in France when King Louis XXVI lost his head to the guillotine. If it occurs in the United States the results will be uglier than a tax hike.

Filed Under: Issues Tagged With: France, Germany, History, Republican, Tax, United States, World War I, World War II

Class Warfare in America

: Image via Wikipedia

The election of President Barrack Obama infuriated the group of people that walk in step with the radical dogma that anything other than a flat tax represents “class warfare”. This ugly term is meant to evoke strong emotions from those listening to propagandists. While the tax policy can be reasonably debated, labeling it as class warfare takes it out of the realm of civil politics and into an unmovable position.

Democracy is meant to limit damage and find compromise. When drawing a line in the sand and declaring war against the other side the result is political gridlock. And when a democratic government cannot act the result is a lack of government and the absence of oversight.

The United States now finds itself in the midst of an economic meltdown that was brought upon by unregulated financial markets. The collapse of the American mortgage system caused generations of wealth to be wiped out and millions of workers throughout the world to be displaced. Despite the damage these policies caused many of the same rules for investment banks still exist, and the people in power who allowed the system to collapse are still in power.

The Obama administration did not take the radical steps that President Franklin Roosevelt pushed through Congress during his first 100 days in office. In the 1930s, the prospect of actual class warfare loomed since governments throughout Europe were being taken over by armed radicals.

American history has its own instance of class warfare. John Brown stormed the federal armory at Harpers Ferry prior to the American Civil War. His attempt to start a slave revolution failed, but the prospect of a revolt pushed southern leaders to opt for secession upon the election of Abraham Lincoln.

Class warfare does not occur when a public policy is enacted. Class warfare is the reaction to government policy.

Filed Under: Issues Tagged With: Abraham Lincoln, Barack Obama, Barrack Obama, Franklin D. Roosevelt, John Brown, Obama administration, United States, War

Society has a Situation

: Image via Wikipedia

For people that work thankless 8 to 5 jobs and live paycheck to paycheck the news that Mike “the Situation” Sorrentino will earn $5 million during the second year of his fame might be enough to consider a violent overthrowing of the financial system. Fans of the situation might see his success as a sign that their day is coming, but for the rest of the population it seems that any notion of hard work or substance has been lost.

The Situation emerged on the scene as a cast member on the surprise MTV hit Jersey Shore. The television show broke no new ground and appeared to be a trashier spin-off of the popular reality show The Real World. While the Real World professed to be telling the stories of young adults picked from across the United States taken out of their comfort zone, the Shore took trashy Jersey kids and showed them partying to excess. Jersey Zone revealed in ignorant excess. Fist pumps and spiked hair were in. Thinking and political correctness were out.

Initially Jersey Shore was controversial. Italian-American groups protested the depiction of these self proclaimed Guidos and Guidettes. The characters were classic anti-heroes. They disdained responsibility and lived if not for the moment, but for a night in the club. Careers and jobs did not matter as much as chasing the next sexual conquest. Acting as the ultimate male chauvinist, the Situation obtained a fan base. Soon he was as much a brand as he was a character. The Situation was the face of a brand of vodka. He was offering his work out secrets in a video. He was starring on Dancing with the Stars.

The Situation seemingly never worried about a career or the company match on his 401K. He cared about working out, tanning and getting a new girl every night. Some how this emerged into a career than earned more money in a year than many will in a career.

Filed Under: society Tagged With: Dancing with the Stars, Guidos, Jersey, JerseyShore, MTV, Television, The Real World, United States

Wealth Building Across Eras

: Image by Getty Images via @daylife

How is wealth created? Economists will almost certainly disagree on the answer, but as the question depends on factors including era and politics.

In feudal or slave societies humans were chattel and akin to livestock. Wealth was created when a ruler gained control over more subjects. In feudal Russia as in the antebellum American South wealth could be measured in the size of an estate and the number of humans owned. In these terms understanding the problems in transitioning an economy is more understandable. Those in power did not want systems to change. For feudal lords and southern planters wealth could be measured in the amount of labor owned.

Slavery ended less due to the social outrage of the practice than it becoming economically unviable. Slave societies were influx and volatile as mechanization made it less profitable to own slaves, where the liability for the well being of the worker fell on the owner. Uncertainty led to conflict and wealth as measured in human chattel gave way to ownership of the means of production.

Owners that produced products in factories were “creating wealth” by turning natural resources into finished goods. While industrialization altered societies and raised standards of living for societies, it also had many negative externalities as societies became more sophisticated. Workers demanded better pay and safer working conditions, and factory owners were not allowed to simply dump industrial waste anywhere. In regulated environments creating wealth became more difficult for factory owners.

Thus factory owners moved to new unregulated markets where workers could be paid less and authorities are less concerned with the negative by products of industrialization. The problem with wealth creation in this model is that eventually the planet will run out of markets to move basic industrial production. At that point the system for measuring wealth will have to be examined and perhaps altered.

Filed Under: Social Justice Tagged With: History, Oppression and Intolerance, Russia, Slavery, Social History, Southern United States, United States, Wealth