Posts – Page 41 – Mason Votes

President Obama Addresses the UN

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_ijBilki-I[/youtube]

On Tuesday, September 25, 2012, President Obama addressed the United Nations General Assembly for the last time before the election in November.

He used this time as an opportunity to criticize the anti-Islamic video that had created violent anti-American protests throughout the Middle East, but declared that no words are an excuse for murder, as in the case of the four State Department officials in Libya two weeks ago.

While ensuring that the international community knew that the video was not the work of the US Government, he reiterated that free speech is an integral part of ensuring freedom for all, and that stifling even hate speech, can easily lead to oppression.

President Obama stated that even though the United States would like a diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear program, the time to find one is not “unlimited.” He also reiterated that the U.S would continue to push for peace talks between Israel and Palestine and stand with rebel Syrian forces against President Assad.

Kritical Konversation: Successful Forum on Campus

Cover Photo Taken by Jasmine Young

This past Monday, September 24, 2012 there were about 65 students in attendance at Kritical Konversation not including the students that were walking through the JC and stopped to listen.

Host:

Robert Hiter who is a senior at GMU and a part of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. He is responsible for bringing the other organizations together for this event. Robert stated, “It is important for Kappa Alpha Psi Inc. to host an event like Kritical Konversation because a lot of our brothers are politically inclined and we are a fraternity based on achievements.” He also discussed during the interview that a lot of students go out to parties and do other activities and often forget to do their civic duties, one of which is to vote.

Panelist:

Sarah Cioffi who is a Mason student and also an Assistant Registrar for the city of Manassas.
Richard Mattox who is a partner at a lobbying firm called Mattox Woolfolk, LLC and he is also an Adjunct professor at Mason

Mediator:

Charity Howell is Junior at Mason, the program chair for the event as well as the Mediator for the open discussion and debate. Charity is a part of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and was interested in joining in on this event because her sorority has a national initiative going on and believes that not enough young people are going out and voting.

Key Points from the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. PowerPoint Presentation:

The State of Our Country
Importance of Election
Candidates Review
What’s at Stake
Make Your Mark

Once the slide was completed students were allowed to answer questions. These questions turned into statements and opinions which turned into a very organized and informative debate.

Below are some of George Mason Student’s comments during that debate that really stuck out and impacted the audience.

“Having a president without a hidden agenda is needed. I have a big problem with someone who has a hidden agenda. Obama tried to do everything he said he would do and what he has said this far is true.”- Michael Turner

“All politicians are going to lie and say what you want to hear that is why I look at what they have done.”- Jordan Foster

“I don’t believe there is a hidden agenda and the President says and does what is needed to be done to get progress.”- Elizabeth Davis

“I’m voting for Romney I did not know which candidate at first but decided that he has more respect for women’s rights.”-Sophie Chaver

“There are five candidates running for election. I line up more with the green party but prefer Democrat Party over the Republican Party.” “Obama said, “Yes WE can” not “Yes I can.” – Rasheed Parker

“Candidates do not necessarily support issues but instead give options.” –Toni Jones

“I’m undecided because I do not support Obama on a lot of issues and Mitt Romney does not understand what it is like to be in the middle class.”- Viven Lundtin

“President Barack Obama has more of a connection.”- Saffie Kamara

“Don’t be pressured by friends, vote for who you want!”- Falen Petros

Comments before and after the debate:

“I really appreciated the fact that the organizations hosted an event like this because this is something that affects the college demographic and had useful, insightful information. College students need to be aware and involved in deciding the direction of our country.”- Kimberlee Glenn

“I think this event was a good turnout for the simple fact it was planned in a short amount of time. It attracted students that did not even know about the event as well. I believe that juniors and seniors will be more likely to vote because some freshmen are not even 18 yet. Also, some issues directly affect upperclassmen as they are getting ready to graduate and start looking for jobs.”- Amanda Herbert (Senior, President of AKA and Office Assistant for LEAD)

“This event was good turnout with a good audience of students willing to speak. A lot of big decisions are happening and students should be able to voice their opinion on matters that they are affected by and that are why student government got involved in this event. Recently, SGA did a campaign on “What’s Your Number?” And basically it said that student debt is what is going to cause the nations next big financial crisis.”- Kevin Jackson (Sophomore, Student Government)

Students are encouraged to check out www.isidewith.com/ that shows which political candidates you side with based on the issues selected most important to you.

This is Jasmine Young with Mason Votes showing you how Mason student organizations and students are getting fired up and ready to Vote! Make sure you come out to the next event!

Electoral College Analysis: 9/25/2012

Photo from CNN.com

With just six weeks left until the 2012 Presidential election, the attention of many will draw to the many polls. The national polls do tell us some things about the race in general, but really the state-by-state polls tell us more about the actual outcome of the election.

Most analyses point to about 10 “swing states” that are the closest and will determine the winner. These 10 states are: New Hampshire (4), Virginia (13), North Carolina (15), Florida (29), Ohio (18), Michigan (16), Wisconsin (10), Iowa (6), Colorado (9), and Nevada (6). With those states outstanding, the vote count is Obama-221, Romney-191. A candidate needs 270 electoral votes in order to be elected.

Right now the residual polling bump for Obama or lag for Romney has Obama up in most of these swing state polls. Certain tactics are aimed at certain states however. The Romney VP pick of Paul Ryan was aimed, in part, to swing some votes in Ryan’s home state of Wisconsin. Obama is making a lot of hay out of Ryan’s Medicare reforms in Florida, the home of many seniors. Romney is making a big push for exploring more energy resources in coal and natural gas in an attempt to sway voters in big coal country in Ohio or even Pennsylvania. Obama touts his bailout of the auto industry to gain votes in Michigan.

Overall though, the election will bend on three big states. Along with the wealth of electoral votes, these states have populations that are predictive of a broader trend nationwide. But just on pure math, if one candidate wins these three states they will win the Presidency. The states are Ohio, Florida, and Virginia. No Republican has won the Presidency without winning Ohio. Along with that fact, Ohio has a diverse population of socio-economic conditions, etc. that make it particularly prophetic. Florida was the state that decided the Presidency 12 years ago, and remains the biggest prize electorally. It’s population of older voters and diverse racial populations make it an interesting model to watch. Finally, Virginia is the purplest of purple states. A red state for a generation, Virginia went to Obama in 2008. The state is now trended to conservative down south, more liberal in NoVA. This simmering split is key to determining whether Obama or Romney will prevail here.

The general consensus seems to be around the fact that the election will be close. No huge movements in the polls have happened in either direction. After the economy tanked in September 2008, Barack Obama gained huge ground over John McCain and never gave that lead up. Such an event hasn’t occurred yet in Election 2012. Perhaps the debates will provide a push one way or another.

For more information on the Electoral College and the map, you can use the great site www.270towin.com.

Close Race 5 Weeks Until Election Day

Despite numerous reports of President Obama leading impressively in the polls over the past couple of weeks, it looks like we’ll be on a wild roller coaster finishing this last stretch of the campaign leading up to November 6th. The most recent polls essentially show a neck to neck race between President Obama and Mitt Romney. The most recent Rasmussen Reports show Obama with 47% and Romney with 46%. In fact, some sources say that if you were to unskew the polls, Mitt Romney would be leading in them all. That being said, most polls show Barack Obama with a lead right now.

A surprising poll shows that Mitt Romney is leading among middle-class voters. The POLITICO-George Washington University Battleground Poll reports that Romney is leading 50% to 47% when just polling the middle-class, which is even better for Romney when compared to a previous version of the same poll. Middle-class Americans have been a huge target audience for both candidates, so this poll holds its’ weight in significance.

At the end of the day, neither candidate has a substantial lead over the other. On November 6th, a decision will have to be made; Mason students have a chance to make a difference. This race is up for grabs and when people say, “Every vote counts,” citizens better believe it for this election. The Presidential Office is up for grabs this November, and I assure you, Mason will vote.

Romney Releases 20 Years of Personal Tax Info

Mitt Romney attempted on Friday to finally put to rest any fervor over his past tax returns by releasing the full 2011 return as well as a summary of the previous 20 years worth of tax data.

The Obama campaign and many other Democrats have pushed Romney to release more than the federally mandated requirements hoping to uncover some politically unfavorable material.

For 2011, Romney in fact paid almost $2 million on mostly investment income, which comes out to a 14% federal rate. Also noteworthy is the fact that the Romney family donated over $4 million to charities. This accounts for almost one third of their overall income.

For background on Romney’s 20-year returns, many politicians allow their investments to go into a “blind trust” which is managed by someone else and the politician is not allowed to see or influence in any way. This prevents the appearance of insider trading, etc. So, the trustee of Romney’s blind trust released a summary of the last 20 years of Romney taxes along with the 2011 return. This showed Romney’s average federal rate was 20%. The Romneys also donated about 13% of their income to charity over that period of time as well. Trustee Brad Malt finished his letter with statement, “During the 20-year period covered by the PWC letter, Gov. and Mrs. Romney paid 100 percent of the taxes that they owed.”

President and Mrs. Obama and Vice President and Mrs. Biden have released a full 10 years of tax records.

It remains to be seen whether or not this disclosure will tamp down the yearning of Democrats for more information on Romney’s personal finances. But this release is definitely an attempt to end the zeal for more personal dirt on Mitt Romney.

Third Party Candidate to Speak at NOVA

Photo from: socialequality.com

On Thursday, September 27, Socialist Equality Presidential candidate Jerry White will be stopping by the NOVA Annandale campus to discuss the socialist perspective on the political and economic environment in America, and outline the socialist platform.

White believes that a job, housing, healthcare, and an education are social rights, and the only way to attain these rights for the American people is through a mobilization of the working class into a political party. Jerry White and the Socialist Equality Party have received little media attention out of the alternative third party candidates.

This Thursday will be a great opportunity for NOVA and Mason students to learn more about socialism and hear a different perspective on American politics and the future of capitalism.

Find out more about this event here: http://socialequality.com/node/2323

Arlington Campus Org. of GMU Law Dem and Rep hosting Voter’s Registration Drive 9/24- 9/27

(Photo Cover Taken from Arlington Campus Website)

The Arlington Campus Organizations of Mason Law Democrats’ and Mason Law Republicans’ will be hosting a Voter’s Registration Drive this week until Thursday.

Who: Mason Law Democrat’s and Mason Law Republican’s

What: Voter’s Registration Drive

When: September 24, 25, 26, and 27

Where: Arlington’s Campus- Hazel Hall Atrium

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. and also 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The Mason Law Democrats, Mason Law Republicans and the American Constitution Society will be hosting a panel on Voter ID issues on October 4 in Hazel Hall room 121. Also, the Mason Law Democrats will be organizing a canvass to go door knocking for the Obama campaign sometime in the near future. More information will be given soon.

Obama Campaign Uses Social Media to Engage Young Voters

Courtesy of Obama for America

Reactions to Friday’s Grassroots Events in Woodbridge, Virginia

Cover Photo Taken By: Jasmine Young

On Friday September 21, 2012 President Barack Obama spoke at a Grassroots event in Woodbridge, Virginia. According to Lt. Dave Cooper, Fire Marshal for Prince stated that the crowd count was 12,000 people. The crowd ranged from infants to senior citizens, from soldiers to veterans, from students to graduates, all races, showing demographics from people all over. Before the president took the stage I was able to speak with a few people in the crowd. Below are some comments from members in the audience that represent different demographics.

Comments:

“I am fired up for the election and people who work together for the good of the economy!” (From California) – Y. Thomas

“I have been to three or four rallies and have seen a bigger turnout in other locations.” (From Texas) – P. Cortez

“I believe that Virginia is an important state for Obama to win over.” (From Virginia) – S. Robinson

A seven year old from Virginia named Zariyah was excited about the Rally and told me that her brother and President Obama shared the same birthday.

A Mason Alumni that was originally from Alabama stated, “This is my first rally and I’m a Woodbridge resident. I believe that Virginia is an important state for Obama. – V. Ford

“I am a local and it is not my first rally but I believe that Virginia is an important state for the President. For Obama to win students need to vote.” – C. Pope

A 16 year old came to the rally with her mom looking got hear what President Barack Obama had to say about his campaign even though she is not yet old enough to vote. Her mom did not vote for the current president in his 1^st term but will be supporting him for this election and believes that Virginia is an important state for him and thought it was a big turnout. –H. Bider and G. Bider

“I am originally from Ohio and moved to Virginia. I believe that Virginia is an important state because it is close to D.C. This is my first rally and I believe it is a good turnout.” -J. Markley

From many of the comments it is evident that many think that Virginia is an important state for the current President to win the support of. Regardless of age this event was exciting to all and was an experience many George Mason students were able to share as well. If Virginia is in fact an important state, as current residents of Virginia on November 6, 2012 it is important to be at the polls and cast your vote.

Below are some of the statements that President Barack Obama said during his speech that stuck out to me as a supporter and also as a reporter of the event. (Note: Some comments may not be verbatim do to covering live.)

Comments:

“Unless your TV is broken your aware there is an election going on.”

“We succeed when middle class is also doing well.”

“Some may be students, single moms, veterans, soldiers….”

“Believe in opportunity.”

“Fight for tuition in 21^st century.”

“Will not be slashing benefits.”

“Bin Laden is dead.”

“No one who fought for us should have to fight for job or roof over their head.”

“No longer kicking a soldier out the military just because who he loves.”

“Learned you can’t change Washington from inside you have to change it from outside.”

“Opponent said, “I’ll get the job done from inside. What kind of job is he talking about?”

“Takes more than one party.”

“2008, 47% of the country did not vote for me.”

These quotes from the President range but to find his full detailed speech you can check it out on Mason Votes’ YouTube page.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IH2F9agmYgs[/youtube]

This is Jasmine Young with Mason Votes showing you an inside perspective and view from Friday’s event.

Remember to stay informed and above all VOTE!

Aung San Suu Kyi visits Washington D.C.

Pro-democracy leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Aung San Suu Kyi of Myanmar is in the middle of a historic 17-day trip to the United States. Having spent the better part of 20 years on house arrest after co-founding the National League for Democracy, in opposition to the military led government of Myanmar, Suu Kyi has become a global inspiration.

Since being released in 2010, she has been elected to Parliament and received numerous awards for the immense personal sacrifices she has made to bring reform to Myanmar. While in Washington, DC last week, Suu Kyi was given the highest award presented by Congress, the Congressional Gold Medal and has attended numerous events honoring her commitment to democracy, including a town hall meeting hosted by Amnesty International.

The event took place at the Newseum last Thursday. Human rights activists from far and wide came to hear Suu Kyi speak and ask her questions regarding her experiences as, what Amnesty International calls, a prisoner of conscious. She discussed the tactics she used to overcome such solitude, which included constantly reading and always acknowledging that whatever horrible thing has happened, will not seem as bad in 24 hours. She also explained that people should not be deliberately insulting to one another, but governments are not people and should therefore be prepared to take criticism. Amnesty International had taken an active role in the campaign to free Suu Kyi. Many protests had been held and letters sent by members of AI, calling for her release.

Suu Kyi’s freedom represents a slow but steady progress towards democracy in Myanmar, allowing for better relations with America. In 2011, Hilary Clinton was the first Secretary of State in 50 years to visit the Asian nation, and last Wednesday it was announced that the United States Government had lifted sanctions against Myanmar’s President Thein Sein and speaker of the lower house of Parliament Thura Shwe Mann.

The Obama Administration is taking steps to improve relations due to the removal of the military junta from power, and the election of a civilian president in 2011.