tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46860277348769835622024-09-04T11:07:26.129-07:00Thevotereffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03737322197749888686noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686027734876983562.post-55224128896017732502011-07-04T14:49:00.000-07:002011-07-04T14:49:38.631-07:00

On a friend’s Facebook status update today she said that 58% of Americans do not know the true meaning of the Fourth of July, aka, Independence Day. Naturally many people were outraged by her status and it made me want to dig a little deeper. The study that she was referring to was done by a Marist Poll. This study found that: 58% of Americans new that America declared independence in 1776 26%

Thevotereffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03737322197749888686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686027734876983562.post-78511251553095934852011-06-28T17:16:00.001-07:002011-06-28T21:15:38.591-07:00

Former Utah Governor, diplomat, businessman, husband, and father Jon Huntsman announced last week that he was officially going to be the 8th person to become a GOP candidate for the President of the United States of America. He announced to a small crowd in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty with his wife of 28 years and children present. He was the picture of presidential. His speech was

Thevotereffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03737322197749888686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686027734876983562.post-9568242967895446462011-06-22T09:41:00.000-07:002011-06-22T09:41:37.091-07:00

Chances are four years ago you didn’t have a clue who Michelle Bachmann even was, let alone that she even existed. She entered US House of Representatives in 2006 as the first woman Republican from Minnesota. Who would have thought that a woman from up north would make such waves in the political world? I guess that is a scene we’ve seen before. The last northern star, Sarah Palin, seems likely

Thevotereffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03737322197749888686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686027734876983562.post-85694762400439298362011-06-20T19:09:00.001-07:002011-06-20T19:09:59.013-07:00

Today, the shocking Supreme Court Ruling in Dukes vs. Wal-Mart resulted in what is being called a step backwards in gender equality for women. The decision to not certify Dukes as a class action suit was unanimous. So what is this about and what does it all mean? Basically, Wal-Mart wins. Women Lose. Wal-Mart wins. We all lose. Beating up on Wal-Mart has become a national past time. No one

Thevotereffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03737322197749888686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686027734876983562.post-13618344316128697702011-06-13T21:35:00.001-07:002011-06-13T21:35:56.010-07:00

Being a political junkie I love debates. Any kind of political debates. There is something about candidates attacking one another and pointing out flaws that really makes campaigns what they are. After all candidates themselves aren’t going to tell us their own flaws so it is crucial that their opponents point them out. Interestingly, the only candidate’s flaws pointed out during the GOP Debate

Thevotereffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03737322197749888686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686027734876983562.post-38232674878156500642011-06-09T14:57:00.000-07:002011-06-09T14:57:30.061-07:00

Who doesn't love a good Washington politician scandal? They are classically intriguing. Nothing gets the country going like a good case of a congressman having a crazy affair, taking naked pictures of themselves, or disappearing for extended periods of time. No matter what the scandal Americans love to follow their trials and tribulations. The most recent: Anthony Weiner. Unless you are

Thevotereffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03737322197749888686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686027734876983562.post-54660735613613110302011-06-05T06:04:00.000-07:002011-06-05T06:04:34.727-07:00

Just look at the man. Mitt Romney exudes a sort of presidential air about him. He looks presidential. He’s tall, nice smile, fabulous hair, well spoken, and even the way he carries himself makes one believe that he could in fact be president. After all he looks the part, and that is half the battle. Right? Despite how “presidential” he may seem Romney is faced with his own problems in the

Thevotereffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03737322197749888686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686027734876983562.post-21410032798450600322011-05-30T11:14:00.000-07:002011-05-30T11:14:25.577-07:00

The media is a buzz with Sarah Palin as she scoots around Washington DC this Memorial Day weekend on the back of a motorcycle. This is the kick off for her bus tour in which details are very sketchy. The purpose of the tour seems odd. Titled the “One Nation Tour” she is launching a campaign to “Educate and energize Americans about our nation’s founding principles, in order to promote the

Thevotereffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03737322197749888686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686027734876983562.post-50379360935455974682011-05-24T20:06:00.000-07:002011-05-24T20:06:08.979-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Donald Trump announced the he will not be running for the GOP nomination in 2012. I was quite frankly not surprised about this announcement. Do I like Donald Trump? I’m sure you are just dying to know this humble blogger’s opinion. As an entertainer? Yes. As a political candidate? Not hardly. However, the past couple of weeks have me reflecting on Trump as we’ve seen him

Thevotereffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03737322197749888686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686027734876983562.post-89655050706627992692011-05-15T08:40:00.001-07:002011-05-15T08:40:53.676-07:00

I have to admit. I am typically very positive about our political officials. I believed long before the Gabby Gifford’s tragedy that Congress people have a difficult and dangerous job. I have always believed that they wanted what was best for the United States and take their job seriously. I’ve often felt that in the general scheme of the United States they really don’t make THAT much money for

Thevotereffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03737322197749888686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686027734876983562.post-36391942507827036192011-05-09T16:23:00.001-07:002011-05-09T16:23:33.315-07:00

Dear President Obama,During the 2008 election you revolutionized campaigning by tapping into social networking sites and generating a following that has never been tapped into before.  Through your use of email, Facebook, Myspace, texting, and Youtube you were able to captivate an audience that was relatively untouched by your opposing party and candidates. Undoubtedly you were able to

Thevotereffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03737322197749888686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686027734876983562.post-84421916958371938662011-05-02T17:44:00.001-07:002011-05-02T17:45:14.649-07:00

…But, will it be enough to carry him through 2012? President Obama will go down in history as the president who did what Clinton and Bush Jr. could not do. He and his intelligence were able to take down the man behind 9-11 and numerous other terrorist attacks. Most importantly for Obama, he was able to make good on one of his campaign promises, a feat which has proved to be difficult for Obama

Thevotereffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03737322197749888686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686027734876983562.post-15221088836925864642011-05-01T16:01:00.001-07:002011-05-01T16:01:29.992-07:00

I think everyone is hesitant to take on The Donald. Especially given what happened to Rosie O’Donnell during the 2006 fight where Trump personally, professionally, and even financially threatened her on television. All this because O’Donnell gave her opinion on Trump giving a beauty queen a second chance. I have written one other blog about Trump and swore no more no matter HOW MUCH he tries to

Thevotereffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03737322197749888686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686027734876983562.post-54630105974544577812011-04-27T17:29:00.001-07:002011-04-27T17:29:38.379-07:00

Perhaps one of the most frustrating issues is the raising of gas prices. It is oppressive to people who work low paying jobs. It takes money out of the pockets of people who may use that money to buy other items. On top of it all it adds to the prices of goods like bread, milk, and other groceries. If you live in the Midwest or an area without public transportation you are in fact stuck. Besides

Thevotereffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03737322197749888686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686027734876983562.post-86530324195355472752011-04-25T13:24:00.000-07:002011-04-25T13:42:37.068-07:00

After finally coming to terms with a budget for 2011 almost immediately attention turned to what to do with the debt ceiling. It seems that the debt ceiling is something that should be raised without little debate. The Republicans are pledging that they will not raise the debt limit without significant changes to current government spending levels. Democrats warn the Republicans to not play on

Thevotereffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03737322197749888686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686027734876983562.post-43750893624004292512011-04-17T08:52:00.000-07:002011-04-17T08:52:15.323-07:00

As the budget battle for 2011 is finally settled and the fight for the budget of 2012 is only beginning the question begging to be answered is, will this Congress accomplish anything besides the budget this year? Ultimately many issues are on the table unanswered and in desperate need of attention. Perhaps the most pressing of those issues is Education. Education is perhaps one of the biggest

Thevotereffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03737322197749888686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686027734876983562.post-31474459788744994502011-04-12T18:59:00.001-07:002011-04-12T19:01:30.444-07:00

Let’s face it. Making a budget is a drag…We all have to do it. Even the Federal Government. This year the budget has been news since it wasn’t ready when the 2011 session of Congress took office. The GOP and Tea Party wanted to cut, cut, cut. The Dems wanted to keep the cuts slim because they wanted ensure that economic growth continues. The government has been issuing continuing resolutions and

Thevotereffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03737322197749888686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686027734876983562.post-17420122323907086272011-04-06T17:42:00.001-07:002011-04-06T17:42:42.571-07:00

Today the news is buzzing with Paul Ryan and his budget. He is making waves of support and opposition with his suggestion to slash Medicare and Medicaid among other programs. His plan is to put a significant dent in the national debt. Just who is this Paul Ryan?BiographyWisconsin Republican Paul Ryan is a seventh year veteran to the House of Representatives and the current Chairman of the House

Thevotereffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03737322197749888686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686027734876983562.post-89061717000419731632011-04-03T16:55:00.001-07:002011-04-03T16:55:32.205-07:00

Rewind. 2008. I hate to say it, but I totally called the winner of the election. I knew Barack Obama was going to win the general election long before he even beat Hillary Clinton for the primary. Interestingly, my prediction that I am just now sharing with the world in 2011, was based solely on Facebook fans and their evolution. I truly wish that I would have recorded the numbers then,

Thevotereffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03737322197749888686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686027734876983562.post-52312864973602812242011-03-31T17:03:00.001-07:002011-03-31T17:03:46.549-07:00

I don’t live in a political battleground state. I do however live in a state where our election was important nationally. During this time TV couldn’t be watched for 30 minutes without seeing several commercials that were paid for by various groups whom I had no idea who they were. Clearly they were not being paid for by either political party or candidate. Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind

Thevotereffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03737322197749888686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686027734876983562.post-39605358715954863962011-03-28T18:13:00.001-07:002011-03-28T18:13:42.826-07:00

Social Networking in the ClassroomToday the Washington Post published a story about the Virginia Board of Education placing limits upon social networking within the classroom. http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/va-board-of-education-urges-policy-on-social-networks-as-teaching-tools/2011/01/24/ABiuo3RB_story.htmlInterestingly, I believe that social networking is already IN many

Thevotereffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03737322197749888686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686027734876983562.post-2942591044388921882011-03-26T10:31:00.000-07:002011-03-26T10:31:01.940-07:00

Last night I retweeted someone’s post on twitter. The quote was: “Politics are important in making America what it is. Embrace it.” I thought that the quote really rang true to the relationship between America and politics. I think when we hear the word “politics” there is often a negative connotation with the word, without reason. Politics, whether it means a fight over issues, voting, a

Thevotereffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03737322197749888686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686027734876983562.post-66982032566568487482011-03-21T18:43:00.000-07:002011-03-21T18:43:12.470-07:00

Listen to either party and you will hear the same statement. We’re  broke. We have a deficit. Paying more in taxes is not popular so it seems that is not even an option. How about this option: WE NEED TO GENERATE MORE TAX REVENUE! Yes, that is what we need to do. We need to take something or somethings that are already being done, have the government regulate it, and TAX, TAX, TAX it! Thus,

Thevotereffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03737322197749888686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686027734876983562.post-29938181748665293742011-03-17T18:54:00.001-07:002011-03-17T18:54:42.499-07:00

Tis’ the time of the election season when everyone thinks they can be president. The most recent candidate who I am questioning is Donald Trump. Undoubtedly a man with multiple financial successes and businesses, but does he have what it takes to run the country. Now, don’t get me wrong. I LOVE the show Celebrity Apprentice, and The Apprentice. Trump is charismatic and as I formerly mentioned

Thevotereffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03737322197749888686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686027734876983562.post-24619084416870366652011-03-15T17:29:00.000-07:002011-03-15T17:29:58.670-07:00

10. It is free and fun. All you need to join is an email address. 9. Know which bills are introduced in the House and the Senate.  8. Read, track, and follow bills after they are introduced. 7. Vote on bills and have the results of your vote sent to your representative.6. Raise issues to discuss with friends. Some issues being discussed include health care, education, taxes, the budget,

Thevotereffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03737322197749888686noreply@blogger.com0