Stage Five

The U.S. national government is a government that has been active for hundreds of years and has seen a lot of changes to itself. The earliest roots of this government were back when we were only a mere thirteen colonies. Now that we are at fifty states, it is safe to say that the government has expanded and shaped itself into a very complex organization with many many branches. The government now is one that still has many flaws to itself and is not quite at the line of perfection. One example of this is that the government does not actually represent society in America. Another reason as to why the national government has yet to reach its full potential is the wide margin of separation found between the primary parties known as the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. Both of these parties tend to be pretty much on the opposite side of every argument so as to not agree with their respective counterparts. If the parties were able to come together more often then we would be able to progress at a faster rate and grow stronger as a nation. Unfortunately, these days it is more about choosing red or blue on every argument and at every voting poll. If the nation as a whole can end that habit and start in a new direction where we listen to both sides on every topic and every time we choose whichever side we believe in the most then more things can get done. Although it is a very different approach in the government, it is not impossible to do and all it takes is civil responsibility in knowing that our leaders will choose what they think is best and not what is red or blue.

Stage Three

Earlier this week, Larry Harris published a post on the L.A. Times with the purpose of voicing his argument; the minimum wage should not be raised but instead should be subsidized.  Harris, Chair of Finance at the USC Marshall School of Business, argues that although some believe raising the minimum wage will help level the lopsided income distribution, he thinks that the balance would be impacted with loss of jobs. One of his examples to support this part of his argument is minimum-wage employers who would have to raise product prices to make up for the labor cost. If the customers decide not to pay the higher prices, these employers will fail and in effect will have to leave many unemployed. Larry's argument has very logical evidence that is detailed to the extent of understanding the point he is trying to get across. Although the author has no direct links to research studies, he partially makes up for it by explaining all of his points throughly. Larry talks about how subsidizing wages would have a better impact than raising wages as well as saying that it will be a safer route because no one would lose their jobs due to price increases in products influenced by labor costs to employees. Over all, Harry has written a thorough enough post stating his argument as well as giving an explanation to his audience(practically anyone who is keeping up with this new bill) about why he thinks subsidizing would be a better route for America's labor force. 

Blog Stage Two

On Wednesday, February 5, 2014, the New York Times published an article titled Democrats Grab for a Chance to Halt Christie’s Rise. This article talks about the rise of  the Governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie, and the plan that members of the opposing party have made in an attempt to stop it. Democratic officials have stepped in with the intention of turning Governor Christie into a "toxic figure." The democrats have already gone as far as giving a message to any Republicans thinking of appearing with the New Jersey Governor by telling them that "his problems will become your problems." This article is not only interesting but it also definitely worth reading due to the fact that it discusses the latest agenda item of the Democratic Party and whether they can successfully accomplish their latest goal; putting out the rising fire that is Chris Christie, Governor of New Jersey and "top Republican prospect for reclaiming the White House."