Steveb Assignment 8

The article was written by Harold Meyerson of the Washington post. The audience is directed towards is the people concerned with the American economy. The article explains that "News Week" stated that "we are all socialist now", Which I do not think this is true. I think it was the only thing the country could do is to inject money into our system to make some sort of recovery. If the government didn't do that all of our banking would by screwed. People are calling it socialism but there was no choice. The article all states that America is moving towards a more regulated competive capitalistic economy. We are very regulated now exspecially if our government jumps in on a company that is going to fall through and just up and buys the whole thing. We are looking towards a country now that now one knows where it will be in 3 years.

Assignment # 8 rmiskelly

Critics of the Obama presidency say that new legislation is changing our government from capitalism into socialism. In reality, though, the stimulus package our president signed is making our private sector more competitive. By injecting money into the public school system and healthcare programs, we are making them more humanized, a characteristic of socialist leadership.

Harold Meyerson of the Washington Post concludes that it was "our own damn system" which "blew up." A more social capitalism seems needed to comb over this mess. In speaking to a conservative audience, Harold maintains that this a worldwide crisis.

Assignment #8 R. Jefferson

"It's not about socialism, it's about rescuing capitalism," was written by Harold Meyerson.  This article is to all Americans.  Meyerson is basically saying lets set our ego's aside and focus on what is going in the United States right now.  We don't need to worry about what party is in office.  Let's work as a nation and making this thing better.  However, I do agree with Meyerson, because clearly capitalism has ruin our nation.  Hopefully President Obama can be successful and change, what needs to be changed.  Because maybe he would have a more social capitalism. In the end we do want this to happen.

Assignment #8 J. Norman

"It's not about socialism, it's about rescuing capitalism" was written by Harold Meyerson of the Washington post. His purpose in writing the article is to voice his opinion on how people are misjudging what Obama is trying to do. He states that he is trying to restore capitalism rather than create a socialist environment. He targets conservatives in the article various times bringing up their views on the Obama Era along with how they reacted to the "socialist" Roosevelt.

Meyerson says that the spending inObama's stimulus plan is not a socialist takeover. It is merely a way to invest more tax dollars into education, research, and development. If Obama is successful in accomplishing his goals we will have a more social capitalism. The capitalism of the past has not been rightfully regulated causing it to "blow itself up". Regulation is what is needed in Meyerson's opinion.

Assignment #8 J.Mikles

Harold Meyerson is an outspoken writer for the Washington Post and several other newspapers and magazines. He has appeared on many t.v. shows and talk radio shows supporting Obama and the decisions that Barrack has made during his presidency.
In his article entitled "It's not about socialism, it's about rescuing capitalism," he makes a sarcastic attempt to defend himself and fellow politicians who are in support of the stimulus package and against the way things were going in Washington. He goes on to explain that Obama didn't wanted to take such drastic steps toward socialism, it is just what he felt needed to be done to fix the problems in our capitalist system and that he only conspirators behind the movement are ourselves.

Assignment #6 S.Lewis

This article was called "Revenge of the Glut" by Paul Krugman of the New York Times. This article was written to show how widespread this crisis is. It also shows how some countries like Ireland, got into the predicament they are in now. This argument was directed toward the american people.
It spoke on the warnings given by Bernake and described the loosey regulated systems of other country's as disasters. The large amount of cash inflows gave some countries a feel of wealth until all assets were lost and they were still looked to for their debt.
The argument that this article is making is that there should be more government regulation in countries. There should not be such wide open and loosely regulated economies.

Assignment #8 BTrigg

"It's not about socialism, it's about rescuing capitalism," is an article located in the Washington post. The article was written by a democratic socialist named Harold Meyerson. The purpose in the article is stated in the title. Meyerson is attempting to explain that what is happening now is not a transition to socialism but a try at rescuing capitalism. Capitalism in our nation has "blown its self up," and needs to be rebuilt and put back together in a different way. Not meaning changing everything about it but some changes are obviously necessary. Capitolism is beginning to adjust into a more regulated, viable capitolism, not transform into socialism. Meyerson claims that as much as he attempted to change capitolism himself, capitolism has fallen on its own. This article is directed towards those interested in the extent of control the government is granted over our nation.

Assignment #8 Chris Tooley

The article was written by Harold Meyerson of the Washington Post. The article seemed as if it was directed to people who fear socialism; it shows the what our country needs to do not what we wish it would do. The article really points out that we need to put political parties aside and accept that it is going to take borderline socialist policies to pull us out of this current crisis.

I completely agree with Meyerson; unregulated capitalism has nearly destroyed our nation. The unemployment rate is growing and it is going to take the nationalization of big business to pull us out. The comparison of Obama and Roosevelt was a very wise choice of words for the article, its going to take a very special, hardworking, and compassionate president to pull us out of this crisis. I saw a lot of ego deflation in the article; Meyerson made it clear that no matter what party we identify with we need to deflate our ego's and accept what is going to work right now, and that is going to be socialist policies.

I feel when our leaders decide to put socialist policies in practice we need to be extra critical of them. It seems; especially in America, that we just sit back and let our leaders make our choices but as soon as socialist policies are in practice we will need to make sure our government is not exploiting/oppressing us with these policies. Its a great time for us to get out there and be actively involved in the policies that Washington is deciding upon.

Assignment #8 M. Cline

The article, “It's not about socialism, it's about rescuing capitalism”, was written by Harold Meyerson. He is an editorial columnist for the Washington Post. This article was published on the internet on March 5, 2009, by The Washington Post, The Charlotte Observer, and others.
I believe the writer was taunted into writing this article because of all the publicity, from our newspapers to our radio commentators, on our new “socialist “ society transforming into socialistic capitalism with our new President. In addition, I feel he is trying to redeem himself against all public opinions referring to him as having assisted in the capitalistic transformation of our country.
In my opinion, the writer is comparing the past and present political landscapes of socialization and capitalization. The course for the model socialistic party was charted in 1936-the Democratic party, supporters of capitalism. He is stating that we have been living in a deregulated capitalist society that has “blown itself up” due to the lack of governmental regulations and control. These issues have caused a global pandemic recession and it is our fault.
The writer is exerting sarcasm against the conservative parties that are against progressive reforms (which means a free ride for any one who wants it-unless you are a true born American). The conservatives are against the stimulus package, that Obama has devised, due to the way it is being injected into our system and the pork belly agendas that are planned for each and every dollar. The writer seems to be defending this issue.
In addition, he is stating that the government is working to have more control as to what goes on in our economy and probably our lives. The wolves are finally revealing themselves!

Assignment #6 J. Hancock

"Revenge of the Glut" was published in The New York Times and was written by Paul Krugman. This article is directed to the American people that are interested in the Financial crisis that is happening in America. I believe that Mr. Krugman is trying to tell us that were experiencing simiular things that happened during the Great Depression in the 1920's an early 30's.


The reasons why we are going into these financial crisis is because our banks loaning money to other countries and are not selling enough of our American goods. If America cuts down on loaning other countries money and sale a little more of our goods then i believe we can make it through this crisis. I do not believe we are as bad as it was in the Great Depression in the 1920's but i do believe we are geting there. I hope that we can get out of this crisis and that the people in charge fo making all the decissions make the right ones because it will be bad for America if we have another Great Depression.

Assisnment #5 J. Hancock

The article "The Continuing Fall of Federalism" was writing by George F. Will that was found in the Washingtom Post. The audience this article was directed toward is to all american people that are interested in how the senators of their states are elected.


George F. Will tells us the plan that Sen. Russ Feingold has and that McCain supports. Sen. Feingold wants to amend the 17th Amendment. The 17th Amendment says that the "Excutive Authority" of the affected state can issue writs of election to fill vacancies if a senate vacancie occurs. Fengold believes that the people should be able to vote for the senator to take the other senators place and not the person with the "Excutive Authority".

I agree with Sen. Feingold because the American people are supposed to vote for the senator of their state anyway. If something were to happen to the senator that is in the current position and some how has to leave the senate, the people should be able to vote another one in even though the other senator did not finish his/her term.

Assignment #6 JPernick

The New York Times article, "Revenge of the Glut", written by Paul Krugman was written to inform Americans about the real cause of the economic crisis. It is directed toward Americans who are interested in the financial state of the country.

Years ago, we thought we had a financial crisis on our hands, but it turns out that today this situation is much more serious. The author says that foreign countries back then saved their money, but in this crisis that is probably not the best idea. Investments are going to need to be made to keep this global depression from getting any worse. Don't repeat mistakes from the past. If it didn't work, then try something that will. With the economy as bad as it already is, there is no room for mistakes and there is certainly not a lot of time to make these decisions. I just hope that the people in charge of making the decisions make the right ones toward a healthy economy. The only thing is we just have to ride it out and wait for better days....but who knows when that will happen.

Assignment # 6 R.White

The Article written by Paul Krugman. It was published in the NY times. His article talks about how and why he thinks we are in an economic crisis. He refers to a man named Ben Bernake who gave a speech four years ago on why are economy is getting worse. Mr. Bernake says in his speech its Asias fault that we are above are heads in debt. All countries have been in an economic crisis but ours might not be the worst. Everyone has a part in this debt not the President or some other person, we all are to blame. The economic crisis in America doesnt only affect us but pretty much the whole world. The author states that we are still trying to find a way out of this mess. Maybe President Obama's stimulus plan could very well help the crisis but only time will tell. Im thinking that it will only get worse before it gets better.

Assignment # 5 R.White

This Article was written by George F. Will. He talks about how the 17th amendment allows senators to be elected by a popular vote. It says when vacancies occur the Senate has the executive authority to appoint whomever they deem worthy to take the place. Feingold stated in his amendment that no person can become a senator unless he is chosen by the people. Feingold believes that it would make the senate more responsive than ever.

Feingold and McCain have a good point. If feingold could change the constitution it would help stop some of the corruption in the senate but not all of it. Another thing is would we even allow one man to change The constitution thats been holding this country together? I mean, he does make a point having the people vote who gets put into senate would stop alot of arguement because we put them in.

Assignment #4 R.White

This article is written by Monica Davey for the NY times. This article basically talks about President Obama's Stimulus Plan, what some state legislatures could do with it and how it should be spent. The big thing that the stimulus plan will do is to get money to each state but the amount will vary depending on the state. Like the author says in her article, this will start a lot of political arguing over what should be done with the money. Another key thing for Obama's stimulus to work is for the money is to be spent quickly so that it can help lift the pressure on the economy.

One big problem for this to happen is for states and officials needing to decide what they will do with the money. There are many arguements between mayors and govenors because they are worried about who would get the most money. If you think about it there are a lot of things that each state needs help with like roads, buildings, bridges, education and medicaid. One state in particular thinks that President Obama's plan is a bad use of goverment policy and spending. I think if we could find a way to spend the money wisely and quickly, maybe we could end up fixing the economy a little.

This article's audeince of course is to the people of the U.S.A. who actually cares about whats going on in society. It was written to inform us how the stimulus plan could benefit us.

CMcCray Assignment #6

The article "Revenge of the Cult" was written by Krugman. The article was published in the New York Times.  The article was intended to give a possible answer to why we are in an economic recession and possibly on the way to another depression.

The author says the answer to why the world is in the position that it is in now was in a speech by Ben Bernanke. In the article, the author says that in the speech by Bernanke that the word relied on borrowing money too much and that is why the entire world is in the economic crisis that we are in. The author also describes why America became so in debt. The author said that bankers took huge risks and hide the risks from investors. He also says that countries cut back on spending as much, which limited money from country to country. He says that we have plunged so fast into the economic situation that the entire world is in now is due to trickle down effect. When one major factor changes, although not connected directly other factors suffer. Countries are not producing as many goods because other countries are not using the goods. The article makes me feel like it will be a while before we are able to get out of this situation.

Assignment #6 -D.HESS

The New York Times article, "Revenge of the Glut", by Paul Krugman points out how and why the world's ecomony has come to an abrupt halt. Krugman makes his first point by saying that years ago when we thought we were in a crisis, we were terribly mistaken, considering that we are in one of the worst economic crises to date. The authors comment on international countries saving money instead of investing it, made complete sense then, but not now. They all should have learned their lesson the first time, but instead, were are in another crisis, and they are all for doing the same thing. If it failed once, why do the same exact thing over again. Invest the money. We are making the same mistake that got the world's economy into this mess, instead of trying to find the best way out of it. Now that doesnt make sense to me, but I guess im not in charge of the worlds money.

Assignment #6 N.Orr

Article "Revenge of the Glut", was written by Paul Krugman. It appeared in The New York Times. The article was written to let us know that the economic crisis is not only due to subprime lending. It was directed towards the American people.

The arthur says that Ben Bernanke gave a speech four years ago that foreshadowed the bust to come. He states the cause stemmed from Asia and not America. It appears that this is not the first time we and other countries have been in a crisis, but now maybe the worst. We as a people have all contributed to the crisis, whether it's from wasteful spending, approving bad loans, or making risky business decisions that in the end affects everyone. And as the arthur stated we're still looking for the way out.

Assignment #6 H.Miller

"Revenge of the Gult" by Paul Gruman, found in The New York Times expresses his opinion of the economic crisis. He refers to a speech made by Ben Bernake on the econmic crisis. This article was ment to inform readers (Americans) of the past "crisis" that in Gruman's opinion "is nothing compared to whats happening today". Also he explains how the crisis came about, with massive borrowing for homes and credit card spending.
As more people are of age to obtain a credit card, debt in America will continue to rise. This seems like a never ending cycle that hopefully our new President can fix. The outragious deficit that America has is very scarry because it feels as if another country owns the US. I hope this will end soon, but i am afraid it has only just begun.

Assignment #6 R. Jefferson

The revenge of the glut, which was written by Paul Krugman of the New York Times.  This article was directed towards the nation.  Basically telling us how the economy is in this economic crisis.  Krugman states that "After Asia had there crisis, then other countries started taking responsibility of there own."  I feel as though we can't blame this on anyone else but the United States government.  I mean look at the Bank, loan out thousands of dollars, even the US has borrowed money from other countries to pay the debt that they owe someone else.  We must put a stop to giving out money and stop borrowing because it is hurting everyone one financially. 

Assignment #6 J. Norman

Revenge of the Glut was written by Paul Gruman of The New York Times. The purpose of the article is to pin-point the specific reasons America originally went into debt. The answer, he suggests, can be found in a speech made by Ben Bernanke, the Federal Reserve Chairman. In his speech, "The Global Saving Glut and the US Current Account Deficit", Bernanke states that the causes lie in Asia not America. After the Asain financial crisis of 1997-1998, these countries began protecting themselves , in effect exporting capital to us along with the rest of the world. With financial systems being loosely regulated caplital inflows covering trade deficits, our countries debt became horrific the economy going down with it.

Assignment#6WHairr

"Revenge of the Glut," an artical that appeared in the New York Times, was written by Paul Krugman. The article is about the economic crisis that is happening all over the world. Krugman wanted to voice his opinion to the people. His opinion is somewhat based on the speech given by
Ben Bernanke, the Federal Reserve chairman. Krugman's beleives that the crisis was caused by countries saving their money, instead of investing it. Because the countries and business within those countries did not invest it lead to other countries not making money on their exports. Krugman also says that we are doing the same thing now, which is saving instead of investing, but we are doing it more.

Krugman's article and point of view makes sense to me. I can totally see why saving instead of spending would cause a world-wide economic crisis. Before I read this article, I really did not understand what caused the world-wide finacial fall. But, now I understand it a little better. I also understand why business and countries want to save now instead of spend. But, then if they do invest or spend money on different things then they would be left pennyless. So what should they do?

Assignment #6 M. Cline

The article, “Revenge of the Glut,” was written by Paul Krugman. He is as an author, an editor, a columnist for the New York Times, and a professor of Economics and International Affairs at Princeton University. This article was published on the internet on March 1, 2009, by The New York Times and in print on March 2, 2009, on page A23 of the New York edition.
The article was written as a comparison of the past “subprime lending crisis” (subprime borrowers… more likely not to pay the money back, such as those who have a history of not paying loans back, those with a recorded bankruptcy, or those with limited debt experience) to the present day economic downfall. It is directed to all audiences who are confused as to how we got into this situation. Who is responsible and how did this happen?
In my opinion, the writer is stating the reasons our Nation is in this crisis are due to the Asian markets, the U.S. lowering interest rates to increase capital, and citizens living beyond their means. Asia was a huge importer of capital, but after their economic crisis, they started hoarding huge amounts of foreign assets and exporting “cheap money” to any country who would take it. Namely, the U.S. because of the extent of our financial markets (creating an immense trade deficit) and greed. Still, the banking industry is to blame as well. The banking industry has loaned out more money than it has received. By withholding the true facts from the borrowers, especially in the mortgage industry, this empowered the banks even further to create a huge consumer-spending boom that most did not qualify for the financing. Therefore, placing the consumer in a financial crisis, even bankruptcy, for which the taxpayers have to pay back. In addition, greed dominated the consumer. Instead of saving money and paying cash or minimal financing for purchases, consumers financed items that they truly thought were going to increase in equity and put cash in their pockets, regardless of affordability. Credit was so easy to obtain and accessible. Paying it back is completely different story!
This crisis has caused a domino affect throughout the Nation. The world has held a false perception as to the increasing wealth in each and every country. Consumers have started saving more and spending wisely, but it is too late to accept responsibility for our past actions. The bubble has burst and this will affect future generations for many years to come.

Assignment #5 HMiller

"The Continuing Fall of Federalism" by George F. Will written for the Washington Post descusses changing the 17th Amendment so that the States can not choose a senator from a position that is not filled and is unoccupied. In my opinion, the constitution can be changed for laws that effect the people but is this really an issue to change an amendment that allows time to be cut down on finding a senator. Now days time is money and if we have to waste time voting for a senator that could be time spent on resolving major issues. If the person is qualified for that positon than it should not be a problem.
this artical was written to inform the public, but only those who are strongly in to politics would give any interest to.

Assignment # 5 rmiskelly

A writer with the Washington Post, George Will discusses in his column Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold’s disapproval of the 17^th Amendment. This amendment says that when Senate vacancies occur the executive authority of the affected state shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct. Feingold’s repeal reads “No person shall be a Senator from a State unless such person has been elected by the people thereof. When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such state shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies.” He has said, of late, that he thinks some governors have wrongfully appointed people to U.S. Senate vacancies, an “immense” threat to the public well-being. His repeal to the 17^th Amendment would make the Senate as “responsive to the people as possible.” The purpose of The Senate is to be deliberative, not responsive. The 17^th Amendment serves to ground the Senate in the state legislatures giving states the power to resist administrative extensions of the federal government. The Framers (of The Constitution) gave the three political components of the federal government different electors to reinforce the principle of separation of powers. Feingold speaks to slander federalism and nudge the Senate from the functions our Forefathers intended.

George Will intends make evident to the American people the Senators intentions. His audience, I think, is a conservative base.

Assignment #5 JPernick

"The Continuing Fall of Federalism", an article found in The Washington Post, written by George F. Will is meant to grab the attention of Americans who are concerned with the way the senate gets elected.

The author of this article wants to inform America that Senator Feingold wants to Amend the 17th Amendment that gives the executive authority of a state the right to pick a new senator to fill an unoccupied seat. He goes on to say that if this is done, then it would change the way our forefathers wanted this country to be. This is causing a lot of controversy.

So far I haven't personally seen the 17th Amendment effect me in a bad way. I think that it is fair to let the people choose, but honestly I think another senator would probably do a good job of picking out someone new to fill the seat. I would not know who would be best to put there, so i don't see the sense in changing the Amendment.

Assignment #5 cBurt

"The continuing fall of federalism" was written by George F. Will of the Washington Post. This article was posted on "The State" website, which is considered South Carolina's home page. This article was written to show that the seventeenth amendment gives total executive authority to the Senate. This means that if a seat in the Senate becomes empty, they have the power to appoint whomever they want to fill this chair.
I believe that the vacant spot should be chosen by the people because it is our right. I do not agree with the fact that Senators should be able to pick their friends to fill a vacant seat, it's just not right.

Assignment #6 T.Sewell

The article “Revenge of the Glut” was written by Paul Krugman and published in the New York Times on March 1, 2009. Mr. Krugman is explaining the situation of the United States economy to everyone affected by our economy. The basis of his opinion is a speech given by Ben Bernanke, the Federal Reserve Chairman in 2005. Mr. Bernanke explains that in the wake of Asia’s financial crisis in 1997-1998, Asia has been heavily investing in other country’s markets, including Iceland, Ireland, Estonia, and the United States. The large amounts of money they poured into foreign markets caused trade deficits. Mr. Krugman further explains that the economies of these countries have collapsed, their assets have evaporated but their debts are still real. Now, with everything collapsing, people are holding onto every penny they can get and making things worse by saving instead of reinvesting. Now we have a “global slump” and are still looking for a way out.

Assignment #5 BTrigg

"The Continuing Fall of Federalism," is an article written for placement in the Washington Post. The article can also be found within The State. Written by, "George F. Will", the article was written to state his opinion. Therefor the article was written for those who follow the same opinion as he and to inform others of what he thinks on the current situation regarding the Seventeenth Amendment.
Will informs the reader of Senator Feingold's intentions along with those of Senator John McCain. Feingold seeks to amend a Seventeenth Amendment that empowers the executive authority of a state to provide a senator to fill an unexpected unoccupied seat. Will argues that this is against the intentions of the founders of our great nation. Election by the people is best for the nation and is what the nation stands for.
Will does not title this article with anything pertaining to senators, amendments, or elections, for this article is not written to only argue his view on the current situation but largely to argue what he feels is happening to the nations government as a whole, a "Continuing Fall of federalism."

Assignment #5 D.HESS

As stated in George Will's article in The State, Senator Russ Feingold is messing with history, and the Constitution. Why on earth would you want to try and rewrite the Constitution, to get his way over the countries voting. In my opinion, the way the Constitution has been guiding us on this matter, hasnt failed us in the past, why should we change it just because? Not to mention it takes entirely too much time. Now, there are instances where we made need to rethink some of the laws written in to our fair countries Constitution, but its got to for a far better reason than this.

Assignment #5

The article was posted on February 29th, 2009 on The State website. It was written by George F. Will of the Washington Post. I believe the article was written to address the public about this obvious infringement on our rights.

I believe the there should be no limitations on free speech. Government should have no right to step in and control our right to free speech. I believe it is oppresive, and is not what our country was founded on.

Assignment #5 N.Orr

The article titled "Will The continuing fall of federalism", written by George F. Will. The article appeared on website www.thestate.com. The article was written to show that Sen. Russ Feingold wants to amend the 17th Amendment on how a senator shall be elected.

The article is directed towards the American people. The basic argument is that Feingold is saying "no person shall be a Senator from a state unless such person has been elected by the people, and not give the executive authority the writs until the people fill the vacancies by election. After all, look at the Blagojevich-Burris situation. The question is if this amendment is allowed, what other fiasco may arise and call for an amendment.

Assignment 5 A. Brakefield

In The State.com, South Carolina’s Home Page, George F. Will explains how the 17th amendment gives “executive authority” to the Senate. It allows a vacant spot in the senate to be filled. These spots are supposed to be chosen by the people. The Electoral College is in place to help keep order in the check and balance system.
I believe if the government could put someone in power that can help the people then I am cool with the 17th amendment. I want to be involved with this decision but it sounds like no one wants a college student to be involved. One day we’ll change their minds.

Assignment#5 J.Mikles

On February 22, Washington Post published an article by George F. Will entitled "Will: The continuing fall of federalism." In his article he explains the reasons behind Sen. Russ Feingold and Sen. John McCain's proposal to amend the 17th Amendment.
Presently, the amendment says that if a Senate seat should become vacant, then the Senate has the rite to appoint whoever they choose. Feingold and McCain want the amendment to give the rite to choose to the people through an election. They believe that this will make the Senate more responsive than deliberate.
Due to the recent events in Senate surrounding this very Amendment, I see why Will would write such an article.

Assignment #5 (C.Williamson)

This article was written by George F. Will af the Washington Post. It is focusing on how Sen . Russ Feingold is trying to eviscerate the First Amendment with Feinggold-McCain. The outcome of this is more vandalism of the Constitution. People say thet change is good, but if you cahnge the very thing that keeps out country in order, it will crash.
Feingold thinks that holding elections to replace the senators is necesary in order to make the enate as "responsive to the people" as possible. This article, along with a majority of them written by the Washington Post, is directed towards government active people. By us having the priviledge to vote, it is our responsibility to make these type of decisions. This problem is occuring with the Constitution in the State Senate.
I think that our Government can't always handle the pressure of making these tremendous decisions so they count on our opinion. So the basic argument would be...Should we let Feingold make "adjustments" to the Constitution.

Assignment #5 J. Norman

Because of the Blagojevich-Burris controversy, where Blagojevich was forced from office after trying to sell Barack Obama's Senate seat, and Burris is still ceontending with allogations and rumors, Feingold is attempting to change the constitution to require popular election of senators in all circumstances. The constitution originally provided for election of senetors by state's legislatures, which was changed with the passing of the seventeenth amendment to allow for popular election of senators. The seventeenth amendment allows for the state executive branch to appoint senators in the event of unforseen vacancies.

I feel that McCain and Feingold have a valid arguement. Popular vote would allow for less chance of corruption. Allowing the government to decide in the event of a vacancy does not allow the people of that state to determine a replacement of who they did choose. George Will, the author of the article, however, says if the 17th ammendment was repealed there would also be a reduction of risk of corruption since the state legislature would choose senators as the founding father's intended.

Assignment 5 S. Bunn

The author of the article is GEORGE F. WILL and it was posted by the state and Feb. 22. The article is about Sen. Russ Feingold wanting to change the 17th amendment. The 17th amendment says that when there is a vacant senator the state has "executive authority" which means that they can just up and appoint someone to fill the vacancy. They think that this way the senate can be more responsive towards the peoples needs.

I personally don't like the idea. I think that the people should be able to vote for the person right off the bat when ever it happens. If the senate has that power they could but anyone in there they want and it could lead to a power shift. I also believe that it is a against what the country believes in. I hope they don't change Feingold also wanted to change freedom of speech. He is crazy that will never side in this country.

CMcCray Assignment #5

The article was written by George F. Will. The article was posted on February 22 on The State's website. The article is intended to inform the American people about how Senator Russ Feingold would like to amend the 17th Amendment and the impact that it will have on our government.

In the article, Will describes how Senator Feingold and Senator McCain would like to amend the 17th Amendment. Feingold wants to change the 17th Amendment to deal with filling in empty seats in the Senate. Feingold believes that by changing the 17th Amendment, that the Senate will become more responsive to people. Feingold wants every other state to follow in the ways that his state has done. Will believes that by doing so, would undermine the foundations of federalism. Will also describes how Feingold would like to limit the freedom of speech.

I personally believe that Feingold is only trying to amend the 17th Amendment now due to the controversy with filling Obama's Senate seat. There would not be as much attention paid to this subject if the controversy over Obama's Senate seat were not all over the media. I believe Feingold is just trying to draw attention to himself and has chosen this debate to draw attention. I also have a hard time believing the statement at the end of the article concerning the freedom of speech. I do not believe that any change to the 1st Amendment will be passed by the Supreme Court or will be favored by American citizens.

Assignment #5 R. Jefferson

The Continuing fall of federalism was posted on February 22, 2009 by George F. Will of the Washington Post.  This article was written to help us understand how politics is going in the United States, which I believe is headed in the wrong direction.  George Will is clearly upset with the way the senators are appointed and want us to help have this changed.  Will wants the 17th amendment repealed.  Doing this it would allow each state to have a say so on who they want elected into the senate office.  Which I do agree with Will, we the people who make up the state should be allowed to vote someone into senate.