Issues To Watch And Ways To Be Politically Involved
As the United States usher in a new presidential administration--one for which you did rally your support--you may be wondering what this will mean for you, your future, and your ideals. Well, the truth is that now, more than ever, you should be politically aware and active.
If you align with the red right side of American politics, here are a few issues you need to watch as our new president begins to take action:
1. FOCA. This stands for the Freedom of Choice Act, which aims to unravel a great deal of restrictions currently tied to a woman's access to an abortion procedure. A pregnant woman would be able to obtain an abortion even after the point of fetal viability when the mother's health or life is in danger.
Parental consent laws would also be abolished, meaning minors could gain easier access to abortions without the knowledge of their parents or guardians. FOCA would also legally prevent medical personnel in public hospitals from refusing to perform an abortion on grounds of conscience.
These provisions are just a few among many which will blow away laws nationwide that help to regulate access to pregnancy termination.
2. Tax hikes, or rather repeal of tax cuts. This would apply to a select fraction of the U.S. population, but those with an income of 250,000 dollars a year or higher will experience a jump in their tax rate.
While this will affect few citizens, it is still something to be concerned about because it does not take into account that wealth is relative. In New York City or Los Angeles, that kind of an income does not stretch as far as it would in rural Montana.
3. An additional 750 billion dollar bailout measure. The new president has made demands of Congress to grant this huge sum to dramatically increase the money which has already been dispersed in recent months to rescue financial and other institutions.
So, with these and other pressing concerns ratcheting up anxiety across the country, what can an individual such as yourself do?
Well, one basic way to take action is to write your Congressmen (or women). If you only write one of them, be sure it is your Representative--as their terms last only two years, they have a tendency to be much more responsive to the input of their constituency.
Second, just be active! Sign petitions, attend rallies, go to protests! Often in our society, individuals develop apathy because they have the sense that one person can't really make a difference. But the truth is that if one person is enthusiastic and takes action, that enthusiasm can spread.
In general, doing something is better than doing nothing. So go for it! Don't sit by and watch your stances and values go down the drain. Do something.
If you align with the red right side of American politics, here are a few issues you need to watch as our new president begins to take action:
1. FOCA. This stands for the Freedom of Choice Act, which aims to unravel a great deal of restrictions currently tied to a woman's access to an abortion procedure. A pregnant woman would be able to obtain an abortion even after the point of fetal viability when the mother's health or life is in danger.
Parental consent laws would also be abolished, meaning minors could gain easier access to abortions without the knowledge of their parents or guardians. FOCA would also legally prevent medical personnel in public hospitals from refusing to perform an abortion on grounds of conscience.
These provisions are just a few among many which will blow away laws nationwide that help to regulate access to pregnancy termination.
2. Tax hikes, or rather repeal of tax cuts. This would apply to a select fraction of the U.S. population, but those with an income of 250,000 dollars a year or higher will experience a jump in their tax rate.
While this will affect few citizens, it is still something to be concerned about because it does not take into account that wealth is relative. In New York City or Los Angeles, that kind of an income does not stretch as far as it would in rural Montana.
3. An additional 750 billion dollar bailout measure. The new president has made demands of Congress to grant this huge sum to dramatically increase the money which has already been dispersed in recent months to rescue financial and other institutions.
So, with these and other pressing concerns ratcheting up anxiety across the country, what can an individual such as yourself do?
Well, one basic way to take action is to write your Congressmen (or women). If you only write one of them, be sure it is your Representative--as their terms last only two years, they have a tendency to be much more responsive to the input of their constituency.
Second, just be active! Sign petitions, attend rallies, go to protests! Often in our society, individuals develop apathy because they have the sense that one person can't really make a difference. But the truth is that if one person is enthusiastic and takes action, that enthusiasm can spread.
In general, doing something is better than doing nothing. So go for it! Don't sit by and watch your stances and values go down the drain. Do something.
